Philly police may begin testing body-mounted cameras by end of year

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said his officers will begin testing body-mounted cameras,  with hopes of launching the pilot program by the end of the year.

Speaking on WHYY’s “Radio Times,” Tuesday, Ramsey said the department had a demonstration during its latest meeting on the technology last week. He’s eager to send the cameras out with officers, calling the technology “the future” of policing.

“Not only officers [but] people they encounter — everybody handles themselves a little differently when they know they’re being filmed,” Ramsey said.

Officer-worn cameras, now being tested by SEPTA police, can take photos and record footage of police encounters with suspects that can then be used as evidence in criminal investigations or following complaints against officers.

Ramsey’s comments come a week after six officers in a police narcotics squad were federally indicted on corruption charges, including accusations they shook down and kidnapped drug suspects.