Portland, ME, police union strike deal to outfit police with body cameras

PORTLAND, Maine — Portland has struck a deal with the local police unions that will allow officers in Maine’s largest city to begin wearing body cameras.

The police unions and city have been negotiating over contracts since the previous ones expired at the end of 2016. A city spokeswoman said Tuesday night that they’ve finally arrived at an agreement for new three-year contracts that include provisions for body cameras and a general wage increase.

Portland police eventually will outfit all officers with body cameras, starting with a pilot program for a portion of the department, according to an unsigned memorandum of agreement between the Police Benevolent Association and the city.

If the City Council approves the contracts at its Nov. 6 meeting, Portland will follow many other police departments in Maine and across the country in adopting body cameras.

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http://bangordailynews.com/2017/10/11/news/portland-police-union-strike-deal-to-outfit-police-with-body-cameras/