Franklin Begins Testing Police Body Cameras

FRANKLIN, TN — Body cameras are now part of the gear of five Franklin Police officers who are testing the devices for a possible full-force roll-out, the department announced Thursday.

The five officers, all volunteers, represent a range of shifts and assignments. FPD says testing " will include a series of rigorous equipment performance evaluations in a controlled environment and during the officers’ course of duty." (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Middle Tennessee Patch morning newsletter.)

The five-officer test is phase one of a three phase process, each lasting 30 days. Equipment from three manufacturers is being tested.

“The use of body-worn cameras has become a part of 21st century policing. As we begin their use, we are mindful of the need to balance their use with the privacy that crime victims and others deserve. We do not cameras to ever become a barrier between us and the people who count on us," Chief Deborah Faulkner said.

FPD has used dash cameras and audio recorders since the turn of the century. After scheduled field testing concludes, officials will begin the process of acquiring body-worn cameras for every officer.

Image via FPD