Tulsa Police To Start Testing New Body Cameras

Tulsa Police will be field testing body cams within the next few weeks, according to a release from TPD. Forty body cameras will be handed out officers from several departments including motorcycle unit, evening and graveyard personnel.

Chief Chuck Jordan said they got the first camera in Monday, November 1, 2016.

"The Tulsa Police Department is committed to providing high-quality law enforcement services and recognizes the significance of accountability and transparency as functions of securing and maintaining the public’s trust and confidence," Jordan said in the release.

Special Coverage: Terence Crutcher Police Shooting

Video recorded by officers is the field is considered evidence and will be susceptible to open records requests and subpoenas.

The release states officers will be testing the cameras and documenting their experiences with them through the end of the year.

TPD got a grant for the cameras in 2015 but had not purchased the devices. The Terence Crutcher fatal shooting by Police Officer Betty Shelby brought the topic back in the public eye as the only video of the shooting was from dash cam and the police helicopter.

9/26/2016 Related Story: Tulsa Police To Begin Field Tests Of Body Cameras