Youngstown city council approved authorization for the Board of Control to put out bids for body cameras for the city's police officers.
 

Councilwoman  Anita Davis, who retired from YPD, tells WFMJ News it was discussed over a decade ago, however there was reluctance to embrace the new technology by a past administration.

Davis said, "It's a great tool for the community and the police officers. Our discussion is how many, 100, 120, or 159 but every officer working in the patrol division will be using a body  camera. It's been said a picture speaks a thousand words, and video speaks volumes. I'm glad Chief Davis supports this."

Chief Carl Davis would like a body camera for every officer in the department and said he is not sure what the timeline will be for when officers will be using them.

Davis said, "First we have to come to an agreement with city council on how many they would like to see purchased. Personally if it were up to me every officer would be equipped with one."

Council members say the time line was not as quick as expected but testing the quality of the product's audio and video and ease of use was important.

Councilwoman Samantha Turner said, "We had around 90 days of survey. Officers have practiced with cameras in the field. So this will be about a 30 to 60 day process at this point. Once we get it out we will be able to talk with and work with other companies to see again what they can provide us with pricing, that's good for us and the city."

After some strong opposition surrounding paying managers in the Youngstown Health Department overtime for extra work during the  pandemic, the vote was unanimous supporting the money to be paid with a grant. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said during the emergency health orders the overtime must be paid. Typically managers are not paid for overtime but receive more in compensation in their salaries. The money from the grant will pay managers and employees of the health department.

"There are a lot of body camera manufacturers out there we just want to make sure we are getting the best quality product for our officers, said Councilman DeMaine Kitchen.

Youngstown Police tried out 16 different body camera systems.

"Axon is a company that is very reputable, most departments in Ohio use them and we are very pleased with the product. The video was very clear and the product is very good. Some companies had a product where the video was very grainy," added Chief Davis.

Youngstown also approved the purchase or lease of the former AT&T building and property the city does not need or use, to Kempthorn an auto collision repair company.

"They're currently in Akron, they're in Canton so fortunately they chose Youngstown as a site to expand their operations. Anytime a new business comes into town it's good for our economy, employment. Hopefully they will be good community partners as well, and they will be here a long time." said Councilman DeMaine Kitchen.