INDIANAPOLIS — On Wednesday, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department announced a new in-car camera system for its fleet.
The goal is to improve transparency, accountability and safety for both the officers and the community.
"We want to thank the City-County Council for approving the funding for these vital tools, which promote transparency and will ensure the safety of both our officers and the residents we serve. They provide an objective record of interactions, helping to build trust within our community and protect the rights of all involved," said IMPD Chief Chris Bailey.
IMPD is in the process of installing the cameras inside 700 patrol cars.
Each car will be equipped with two cameras:
- A forward-facing camera that will capture "a limited portion of what is visible through the front windshield, providing a view of the officer's perspective."
- An interior backseat camera that "focuses on the backseat, documenting the actions and behaviors of individuals in the backseat of the vehicle."
So far, the department has installed more than 200 cameras. Many of the cars in IMPD's fleet are pre-wired for these cameras, but older vehicles require additional wiring.
The cameras will stay on "standby mode," meaning they are always ready to record. They will also capture the first 30 seconds of video before being activated to ensure critical moments are documented.
"It's activated automatically through the light and siren box or through the computer dispatch for certain 911 calls as the officers get close to the location or through the automatic trigger that exist on the holsters," Bailey said.
IMPD received the funding for these cameras through the city's 2024 budget. Nearly $600,000 was allocated to improve the department's body-worn cameras and in-car camera problem.
"The City of Indianapolis is proud to have invested in this new technology for our police department, as it demonstrates our commitment to both the future of our city and the safety of our neighbors," said Mayor Joe Hogsett. "These cameras will help us to strengthen the trust between our residents and officers and, ultimately, move us closer to achieving our shared goal: keeping this city safe."
The in-car cameras will also be used in court to serve as a digital witness and offer another perspective in cases.