Cape PD starts body camera program, Fort Myers PD postpones

LEE COUNTY, Fla. – The Fort Myers Police Department announced Thursday it is postponing the roll out of officer-worn body cameras “until further notice.”

The officers’ union has been pressuring Police Chief Doug Baker to delay the roll out, saying officers haven’t gotten enough training.

The department told WINK News it would start using the cameras Thursday, but suddenly decided to delay it, saying they’re working to improve the current policy to better protect the rights of officers and the community.

Taxpayers paid $70,000 for 40 cameras six months ago.

“They need to give you… a date as to when they’re going to start using them, and start using them when they say it and not continue to delay them. But I do think that training is important just for the security of the police officers and for everybody,” said taxpayer Jacqueline Rodriguez.

Officers’ union president Matt Sellers says he believes Thursday’s decision could be a sign that the department is starting to see their side of things.

“I’m cautiously optimistic,” he told WINK News.

Meanwhile, the Cape Coral Police Department says it will start using its newly order body cameras Thursday night.

Two officers will give it a trial run to start, and they anticipate all 60 cameras will be on the streets by the end of April.