Oakwood pursuing plans to buy cruiser, body cams for officers

OAKWOOD — The city of Oakwood has announced it is pursuing plans to purchase both body and in-car cameras to be implemented into the department in the first quarter of 2021.

“It is being done in an effort to build upon established community trust and department transparency, consistent with similar actions taken by many police departments throughout Ohio and the nation,” the public safety department said in a statement.

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The new cameras will have an estimated cost of $120,000.

According to the department, the funding for the project is being included in the 2021 city budget, which will be presented at the Dec. 14 public meeting.

In total, seven in-car camera units and 23 body cameras are expected to be purchased.

“Police transparency, officer accountability, and public trust are three necessary and critical components for the law enforcement profession as we move forward,” said Oakwood Public Safety Department Chief Alan Hill. "The implementation of this technology will allow for the department to further strengthen its partnership with the communty we are committed to serving.

Oakwood has 29 officers on its staff, with weach officer being state certified in police, fire and paramedic/EMT services.

Cox Media Group