3 largest New Jersey cities prep for police body cameras

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey's three largest cities are moving ahead with plans to outfit their police officers with body cameras, possibly as early as this fall.

The mayors of Newark, Jersey City and Paterson announced Friday that they have issued requests for proposals from vendors that are due back by May 14.

Last summer Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and Paterson Mayor Jose Torres said they would collaborate on numerous issues, including the purchasing of equipment in order to save money.

The state Department of Community Affairs approved the joint purchasing plan in December.

Jersey City Police Director James Shea says his city plans to have all patrol officers wear the cameras. Shea says a primary issue is the cost of storing footage shot by the cameras.

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