Kentucky City’s Police Wear Video Cameras on Uniforms

Officers with the Harlan City Police Department have a new accessory for their uniforms — a mobile video camera.

According to WYMT-TV, the device is worn near the center of an officer’s chest and records audio and video for his or her entire shift. The information is downloaded to a computer at the end of the shift.

Police Chief Mike Thomas says the video is considered public record, which creates transparency for the public.

“The public knows we’re not hiding anything; we’re not covering anything up,” said Thomas, adding that the video can also be used in court.

“It will help support to convict some people or it can be used to redeem some people. It goes both ways.”

So far, Thomas said the cameras have recorded arrests, traffic stops and a suspect search.