Kingsport Police to receive body cameras

Body-worn cameras are coming to the Kingsport Police Department. For almost 10 years, the Kingsport Police Department has wanted to implement body cameras for officers, and now that funding is in place, police officials say the cameras will benefit both officers and the public. The department’s decision comes as more law enforcement agencies across the country rely on body cameras to document interactions and collect evidence. The five-year program will cost about $350,000 and the department expects to purchase about 100 cameras. The project also includes in-car camera systems that can work in tandem with the body-worn devices. The final step will be approval of the contract by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.