Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Today's Question Blog
Michael Olson

Should police be required to wear cameras?

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Minneapolis payouts
Spikes on the chart are due to three large payouts: In 2007 Minneapolis paid Officer Duy Ngo $4.5 million after he was shot and seriously wounded by another officer a few years earlier; in 2011, the mother of Dominic Felder received $2.1 million after a jury found the city liable in a wrongful death lawsuit; in 2013, the family of David Smith was paid $3,075,000. Smith died after being subdued by officers in 2010. Since 2006, the city has prevailed in 98 officer conduct lawsuits, losing two. (MPR Graphic/Brandt Williams)

"In a bid to reduce instances of officer misconduct and help the Minneapolis Police Department defeat frivolous brutality complaints and lawsuits, city officials are considering whether to issue wearable cameras to police officers," writes MPR News reporter Brandt Williams.

The city has paid more than $20 million to resolve misconduct lawsuits and claims during the last decade. With that in mind, several Minneapolis City Council members announced Thursday that are ready to fund a $25,000 pilot project that would pay for compact cameras that 25 officers could clip on a pair of sunglasses or a lapel.

Police Chief Janee Harteau was not notified about the announcement, but police spokeswoman Cyndi Barrington said the department is not yet ready to go forward with a trial.

However, last month Harteau told members of the council's budget committee that she has talked with chiefs in other departments that use body cameras.

"If we do this -- and I almost want to say when we do this instead of if we do this -- we want to be successful," Harteau said.

Today's Question: Should police be required to wear cameras?