Austin Police Will Soon Be Wearing Body Cameras

Shreveport and Bossier police don't have them yet, but as many as 500 Austin police officers could be wearing body cameras by the end of the year after city leaders approved a budget that includes $3 million for the purchase.

The Austin American-Statesman reports the goal is to have all uniformed patrol officers equipped with body cameras within three years.

Police Chief Art Acevedo says he has concerns about privacy for crime victims but adds that he believes in transparency in the way officers conduct their work.

Other large law enforcement agencies in Texas, such as in Dallas and Bexar County, also will be adding the cameras.