Sarasota Police debut body-worn cameras

They're not in response to the uproar in Ferguson, Mo. over the death of Michael Brown, or the furor in New York City following Eric Garner's Death.

Sarasota Police Chief Bernadette DiPino assured reporters the new body-worn camera program the department unveiled Wednesday has nothing to do with those incidents, but rather, and new technology pilot that has been in the works for a few years. According to her, the department has been researching body-worn cameras since 2013.

"This technology is something that's going to build up trust and relationships in the community, reduce harm to our police officers, increase credibility of law enforcement in general, but it also make us more efficient and effective," DiPino said following a press conference.

Officers, who volunteered for the program and represent all three zones covering the city, can wear the pen-like cameras on Oakley shades, hats or lapels, as well as across the torso — although the latter option is less effective due to the angle, said training officer Jeff Dunn. The department used a $36,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to buy the AXON-brand cameras.

But, the program's actual roll-out date could be in flux as the administration negotiates with the Sarasota Police Benevoent Association about its aspects. But, SPD also wants to hear from citizens at upcoming workshops, the first of which will take place in the beginning of March.

"We want to hear from our citizens and what their thoughts and issues our because we are a community policing law enforcement agency," DiPino said.