Laramie Officers Will Wear Video Recorders

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — Laramie police officers will begin wearing video cameras and pocket-sized recorders this year as the department shifts away from vehicle-mounted systems.

The Associated Press reports that police expect to save $80,000 over the next five years because the new system is cheaper to own and operate.

Police Chief Dale Stalder says one vehicle-mounted system costs $5,000 to $6,000.

Stalder says officer-mounted cameras cost about $1,000, but the city is getting them free in exchange for signing a two-year contract with a vendor for secure online storage at $24,000 a year.

Each camera will have six hours of recording time. Stalder says officers will be required to record all traffic stops and service calls such as house parties and domestic disputes.