Police In Illinois Could Be Wearing Body Cameras

Some police officers across Illinois could soon be wearing body cameras to record their interactions with the public, an idea already being utilized in DeWitt County.

The idea is under consideration in Chicago and Springfield.

Deputies and correctional officers with the DeWitt County Sheriff's Department already are wearing the devices, as reported in the Bloomington Pantagraph last month.

Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy says the department has been working on the pilot program but there's no timetable when the cameras will be used.

He says he endorses the cameras, but he's not sure if officers are going to feel the same way.
 
The mayor of Springfield says he'd like to spend $200,000 on the cameras in the next budget year.
 
The small cameras attach to officers' uniforms. Videos could be used to review incidents, especially if an officer were accused of inappropriate behavior or excessive force.