Minneapolis OKs testing body cameras on cops

A Los Angeles Police officer wearing a body camera
This Jan. 15, 2014 file photo shows a Los Angeles Police officer wearing an on-body camera during a demonstration for media in Los Angeles.
Damian Dovarganes/ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Minneapolis City Council Friday approved a $170,000 pilot project to outfit police officers with body cameras.

Thirty-six officers have volunteered to participate in the experiment, which will begin in November and last at least six months. They will test cameras from two vendors, Taser and Vievu.

Related: More Minnesota police using body cameras

The police department will evaluate which cameras produce the best recordings, have the longest battery life and are easiest to use. The pilot will also track how well they perform in cold weather.

The council asked the department to provide additional details on the scope of the study, including "how it will be independently designed/reviewed." It asked for a response next week.

Mayor Betsy Hodges wants to roll out the cameras department-wide and has set aside $1.1 million in her 2015 budget proposal to do that.

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