SMYRNA, Ga. -- The Smyrna Police Department became the latest in metro Atlanta to embrace body cameras.
All police officers who come into contact with the public -- including those assigned to the patrol division, detectives, street crimes, K-9, crime prevention, S.T.E.P., DUI Task Force and park rangers -- will wear body cameras.
"We're trying to be as transparent as possible," said Smyrna Police Chief David Lee.
The department spent $68,140 on 75 VieVu LE3 wireless body cameras. Officers will use the equipment to collect evidence and aid in prosecution of people who break the law. Footage captured by the cameras may also be used in investigations involving complaints against officers, or as training aids for the department.
"The decision to purchase body worn cameras was based on increasing transparency and being proactive with community policing," the department said in a statement.
A Smyrna Police body camera debate was ignited after the fatal shooting of Nicholas Thomas. Thomas, 23, died in March after a confrontation with an officer at the Bob McDonald Goodyear on Cumberland Parkway.
"The more information you have, the better," Chief Lee added. "Video evidence is great evidence, there's no question."
The family of Nicholas Thomas has also pushed for body cameras. On Wednesday, his mother told 11Alive's Jennifer Leslie that the cameras are much-needed and overdue.
"The citizens of this state deserve to know the truth when it comes to police being overzealous against any citizen," Felicia Thomas said.
Smyrna Police believe the cameras will help protect everyone.
