West Fargo Police Chief Dennis Otterness optimistic body worn cameras will be in use by early 2023

(Fargo, ND) -- West Fargo Police Chief Dennis Otterness says the department's 70 officers could be wearing body worn cameras as soon as early next year. 

"We think it's vital for transparency in our community. An overwhelming number of our personnel, our police officers in West Fargo favor a body worn camera program," said Otterness. 

Otterness says the department should find out sometime this fall whether they receive federal matching grant funds to help pay for body cameras for the department. The estimated cost over a five year period is roughly $700 thousand. The Chief expresses optimism cameras will be deployed in the city whether federal funding is received or not. 
 

Original Air Date: 
Wednesday, July 13, 2022