City Officials Clarify Some Body Camera Rules

Not all Columbus police officers would be required to wear body cameras, under rules the city is in the process of drafting. City officials discussed the matter yesterday at the Columbus Metropolitan Club. Mayor Andy Ginther wants to equip officers with body cameras by the end of the year. Columbus Safety Director George Speaks said 14 hundred of the city's 18 hundred cops will get the devices. He says they will not be required to keep them turned on at all time, but only during instances when there is a potential for use of force, such as when conducting traffic stops or responding to calls. Failure to comply will result in yet-to-be-determined disclipinary action. Speaks says the footage will be held for at least two years, and he he expects it will be open to the public.