Video: Solon Police Testing Point-of-View Video Cameras

Solon Police plan to start using video in a big way in an effort to gather better evidence and collect accurate records of each police encounter.

The police have been testing a handful of point-of-view cameras and may purchase cameras for regular use later this year. The cameras – some are worn on the head and others on the chest or lapel –  record every traffic stop and arrest, giving the police better documentation of the department's daily policework.

Police are also considering re-installing dashboard cameras in the cruisers, which the department had until recently when former Chief Wayne Godzich decided to sell them.

But whether dashboard cams make a comeback will depend on what the department decides with the point-of-view cameras, some of which can provide that dashboard view.

Lt. Bruce Felton said the point-of-view cameras range in price from about $800 to $6,000 per unit. 

Felton said the cameras will help gather solid evidence needed to convict criminals, improve officer safety and help them in cases of accusation of police misconduct, which often are exaggerated or fabricated, Felton said.

"It protects them," Felton said. "It gives them the ability say: 'This is really what happened.' "

Check out the video, which explains a bit more about how the cameras work.