Philly’s Housing Authority Police now sporting body cameras

All 78 of Philly’s Housing Authority Police Department officers brought some new equipment on their patrols Tuesday: body cameras.

PHA Police Chief Branville Bard told Philly.com that his officers were “overwhelmingly pleased” about the devices.

“They know that it does provide that independent witness. It will not only ensure they are on their best behavior, but folks are more compliant when they know their activity is documented and recorded,” Bard told the paper. “It helps keep [officers] safer and protect civil liberties.”

The cameras were reportedly purchased in tandem with Tasers for for a total of $190,000, according to the report.

The move comes after SEPTA equipped Transit Police officers with body cameras earlier this year.