Dozens of body cameras now in use by some El Paso police officers

The El Paso Police Department has started using 34 body cameras purchased for two of its specialty units, Chief Greg Allen told City Council on Tuesday.

The body cameras being used by the department’s Crisis Intervention Team and DWI Task Force officers were funded with a $110,000 grant.

When council accepted the grant money last year, Chief Allen expressed hope that getting cameras would help police gain additional trust within the community.

Police officials previously told ABC-7 that department policies have been adopted dictating when officers must activate the cameras, which includes most contacts with citizens. In addition, the cameras are programed to automatically activate in other circumstances.