620 cameras to be installed in Minn. police cars

State and federal funds are paying for 620 video cameras that will be installed in police squads across the state, authorities announced Wednesday.

The money comes in part from federal grants Minnesota earned for enacting a primary seat belt law.

About 100 of those cameras will be installed in St. Paul cars, which means about 70 percent of the fleet will be taping police work around the city.

"This is a tool that goes both ways," said St. Paul Police Chief Tom Smith. "This is a tool that holds our officers accountable, but also can help our officers be more safe. If there are complaints against our officers, we have the video evidence."

The cameras will be distributed statewide, although most will be in the Twin Cities. Minneapolis already has cameras in about 80 percent of its squad cars, and started the video program more than five years ago.

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