Kentucky State Police troopers will soon be outfitted with body-worn cameras, the agency said in a press release.
The body cameras will be distributed to approximately 780 sworn personnel.
In November 2021, Gov. Andy Beshear first announced his plans for a $12.2 million investment to purchase the integrated video recording system to improve public safety. In April 2022, Beshear signed legislation that funded the recording system.
“These recording devices will provide protection to our troopers and officers by documenting exactly what happens during a situation,” Beshear said. “KSP is committed to being the best and to doing things right. I commend them for their transparency.”
KSP selected the Motorola M500 Integrated System, which includes a V300 body-worn camera, audio recording device and in-car video with high-definition cameras, which will record a forward dash view and the rear passenger compartment of the patrol vehicle, state police said. The recorded video and audio are automatically uploaded to a virtual storage location, decreasing troopers’ time on administrative functions.
“The governor’s budget allocated funds for an integrated video system, we realized the need to carefully test and evaluate the best equipment for us,” KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said. “KSP plans to deploy the Motorola system in all cruisers by the end of 2023, beginning with newly issued cruisers first. Troopers assigned to those cruisers will receive the corresponding body worn cameras at that time.”
KSP will hire 28 civilian employees to assist in documentation, system maintenance and archival of video footage captured through the integrated video recording system.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
