Albuquerque police are going to require officers to record with cameras all officer encounters with residents.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the department is slated Sunday to begin the new requirement, which is an expansion of a current policy.
Presently, officers are required to use small, digital lapel-mounted cameras to record searches and disorderly conduct arrests. But under the new requirement, the small cameras will be on every time an officer interacts with a citizen.
Police Chief Ray Schultz said the change was recommended by the Police Oversight Commission. He said the department has purchased about 200 of the newer pen-cameras for about $60 apiece.
The new cameras come as the department faces heat for 24 officer-involved shootings — 17 fatal — since 2010.