U.S. Representative Val Demings recently presented the Orlando Police Department with $1.2 million in new federal funding for next generation body cameras to keep Orlando’s officers and the public safe.
“Our police need the resources and tools necessary to do their jobs and keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Demings. “I was proud to fight for this new police funding, and honored to join my brothers and sisters in blue today to thank them for all they do to keep us safe.”
Rep. Demings successfully secured $1,200,000 for the Orlando Police Department’s Next Generation Enhanced Body Worn Cameras Project. The body camera program has been a major success to reduce complaints against officers as well as use of force events. This funding will support a new generation of cameras which include auto-activation technology to ensure that incidents are automatically captured when an officer’s firearm or taser are unholstered, as well as supporting live streams, extended battery life, unlimited cloud storage, and other features.
“Our officers’ new generation body worn cameras are part of OPD’s deep commitment to public safety and officer safety and transparency,” said Orlando Chief of Police Orlando Rolón. “Thanks to this new federal funding we will be able to fund the purchase of these cameras for the Orlando Police officers. Thank you to Congresswoman Val Demings for working with members of Congress to secure these important funds that will help keep our officers safe while supporting our commitment to transparency to the citizens we serve.”
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer added “this next generation of cameras will increase public transparency through improved technology and simplify use by our officers in critical situations.” Transparency has not been something Dyer’s administration has been known for, but he claims “our agency demands officer accountability.”
“As Orlando’s former Chief of Police, I saw that our community was safer and better when we stood for accountability and opportunity for all,” Rep. Demings said. “I brought this same attitude to these community project designations, which will fund next-generation body cameras for the Orlando Police Department.”
Over $6 million is coming to Central Florida from Rep. Demings’ Community Project designations, in consultation with mayors and community partners in Florida’s 10th District.
