The San Luis Obispo Police Department will begin testing the use of body cameras over the next year. The department says it will start the pilot program with ten cameras, given to officers in varying positions.
The decision to test the cameras comes after a group examined the technology and formed an internal policy for the department.
Acting Chief Keith Storton said the test period will help make sure the system is the right one.
"It gives us a chance to experience them, use them, find the benefits, and even the pitfalls, and make changes as we go along. If we're successful, we hope to purchase more cameras next year for the remainder of our patrol personnel," said Storton.
The tentative plan to purchase more cameras, is in line with the city's budget. The department said officers are to activate their body-cams on all enforcement and investigative stops.
San Luis Obispo joins a growing list of cities going this route.
Santa Barbara is currently looking for a camera system to match the departments existing technology.
