Nashville Mayor's Budget Calls For Fraction Of What Police Want For Body Cameras

NASHVILLE, TN — At his budget hearing with Metro Mayor Megan Barry, Police Chief Steve Anderson requested $50.1 million to fully equip every Metro police officer with a body camera, but Barry's budget proposal to the Metro Council includes just a fraction — $15 million — of that request.

"We believe that through the competitive procurement process, in looking at peer cities that have successfully implemented a body worn camera program, that we can equip all officers with cameras at that price range," the mayor's office said in a statement to WSMV, but the 70 percent reduction from the chief's request has some activists worried, even though they concede the chief's initial price tag was too high.

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"We are concerned she just isn't taking us seriously," said Theeda Murphy of the Justice for Jocques Coalition told Channel 4.

"I don't know if $15 million is enough, but I know $50 million was excessive," said Gicola Lane, also with the coalition, added.

Barry's budget also calls for 70 new police officers to address the city's rapid growth.

Image via MNPD