Police officers in Meadville will soon have a new tool to help with their investigations.
 
The Meadville Police Department is set to equip its officers with body cameras.
 
"I think it will be a great asset for both the community and the police officers," said Meadville City Manager Maryann Menanno.  "It provides a security of protection knowing everything is being recorded and everyone can know that if they need something, it's there on camera."
 
The body cameras will be integrated with the department's current car camera system. Once implemented, officers will be required to record their interactions on each call they respond to.
 
"They will be used for interacting with the public," said Meadville Police Chief Michael Stefanucci.  "The officer will record the interactions.  They will shut the camera off after the interaction is completely done.
The cameras will then auto download into our server and be stored for further review."
 
According to Menanno, the cameras and technology upgrades are being funded through a state grant of nearly $500,000.
 
"We've had requests from the community for the body cameras," said Menanno.  "There's no specific incidents or anything like that, that prompted it.  We're just kind of following being on the up and up for the community."
 
According to Chief Stefanucci, the new system will benefit both the public and his department.
 
"We fully believe the public needs a safe, respectful interaction with our officers," said Chief Stefanucci.  "I also believe my officers deserve to know that any false accusations made against them will be seen as that and they can rest assured that they don't have to worry about that either."
 
The department hopes to implement the body camera system by April 1.