IMPD signs $9.2M contract to equip officers with body cameras

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department on Thursday said it has signed a $9.2 million contract with Decatur, Georgia-based Utility Inc., which will equip 1,100 officers with BodyWorn camera technology.

IMPD said the 5½-year contract covers the costs of leasing the technology, installation of the equipment, upgrades to the technology after three years, maintenance and local support to address any technology issues, and cloud-based video storage.

The contract covers the 1,100 officers in the 1,700-officer force who respond to 911 emergency calls.

Installation of the technology will begin in the coming weeks with officers in IMPD’s East District, the busiest district in the city, with a goal of equipping 10 officers per day, the department said.

IMPD has assigned Lt. Scott Kulig to oversee the camera program and will hire civilians to manage, review, and redact footage. Those positions are expected to cost the city an additional $159,000.

The funds were included in the 2020 City-County Budget along with an initial $1.2 million dedicated to the technology rollout.

“Last year, we partnered with the City-County Council to identify the funds needed to launch this program following a period of community feedback,” Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said in written remarks. “Peaceful protests in recent weeks have renewed calls to equip our officers with this important technology. The signing of this contract represents a years-long, significant investment in transparency and accountability that will benefit both our IMPD officers and the residents they serve.”

The technology that accompanies the cameras allows for decentralized uploading of footage as well as automated recording triggers that will turn the cameras on in certain situations, including when officers are within 500 feet of a dispatched run, draw their guns, begin to run, or begin to shake like when engaged in a fight.