CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- It was history in the making in Charlotte Monday night as City Council voted unanimously in favor of body cameras for all Charlotte police officers. The vote came after close to an hour of back and forth discussion about the close to $7 million over five years that the cameras will end up costing.
"We have to make a decision of whether we support the cameras and accept the funding structure we don't like," said Council Member Ed Driggs. "Or else vote against it and look like we don't support the cameras."
Chief Rodney Monroe says people expect a lot from his department and body cameras will only improve the relationship between the two.
"Not only gives the citizens a sense of confidence as it relates to engagements with police, but also the police officer," Monroe said.
After the historic vote, we hit the streets of uptown to see what Charlotteans thought of the decision.
"I definitely think this is important," said Joe Cannan. "The way technology is advancing, police have to have the tech as well."
Training for officers will start in March and they hope to be using the cameras in the field by September.
New legislation will be required for anyone from the public to view video from one of these cameras if they have a complaint with an officer.
