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Columbus City Council approves police body camera contract

WatchGuard Video awarded contract for Columbus; rollout set to begin.

In July 2015, police body camera video showed University of Cincinnati police officer Ray Tensing pulling over 43-year-old Sam Dubose.

Moments later Dubose tries to take off but he’s shot and killed by officer Tensing.

In September 2016, body cams show police in Charlotte, N.C. shoot and kill Keith Lamont Scott after he allegedly ignored repeated demands to drop his gun.

Police video from October 2016 shows a Benton Harbor, Mich. officer shoot and kill 28-year-old Darius Wembly after officers say he opened fire on them.

In each instance, police dash or body cam video played a key role in internal investigations and court cases that followed.

Columbus deputy director of public safety George Speaks tells 10TV deployment of body cameras for Columbus Police officers will begin by the end of the year.

"Studies have shown that body cameras increase transparency and accountability," said Speaks.

Columbus City Council firmed up a timeline for implementation Monday night.

The city selected WatchGuard Video for cameras, other hardware and software.

Speaks hopes new fiber optic lines used to download the video will be installed updated citywide by mid-next year.

The complete rollout is spread across eight phases with traffic patrol officers getting cameras first.

A citizen advisory committee recommended guidelines on use.

"Any time there’s a law enforcement action the cameras must be on. There are some exceptions to that but by in large the cameras must be on," said Speaks.

Exceptions include citizen privacy issues or protecting the identity of confidential informants.

Speaks says the entire body camera system will cost the city roughly $9 million and that about 1/3 of that will pay for video storage.

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