Middletown sees police push for body cameras after recent shootings

Dayton, Ohio (WDTN) — After 26 years of no police-involved shootings, two shootings in two months reminded Middletown of the need for police body cameras.

There is a need, but the city has to be creative to buy the camera.

The latest police-involved shooting in Middletown took place Monday night at Park Lane, an apartment complex following a welfare check. gunshots were exchangedSWAT ultimately helped resolve the situation.

Another shooting involving a police officer occurred during a traffic stop at a Walmart in February. drive recorder video The release of Fatal Incident drew a lot of scrutiny for its low quality and lack of audio.

The movement in favor of body cameras grew last December when the city received a grant from the state, but they declined the funding.

City officials said the cost of hiring two editors who had to remove the video for legal reasons was too much. Now the tone has changed.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.