Sixty New York City police officers will wear body cameras as part of a pilot program in the wake of a federal lawsuit [see SecurityHive’s original article here.] challenging the department’s controversial stop-and-frisk tactics and the recent death of Eric Garner during an arrest, city officials said. Police Commissioner William Bratton announced the program Thursday, saying officers in at least one precinct in each of New York City’s five boroughs will begin wearing the surveillance devices.

Implementing the program was part of a settlement reached last year after a federal judge put a stop to the New York Police Department’s controversial stop-and-frisk tactics, which many said unfairly targeted black men while doing little to reduce crime.

"The NYPD is committed to embracing new and emerging technology in order to continue to keep New York City safe," Bratton said. "Having patrol officers wear body cameras during this pilot demonstrates our commitment to transparency while it will also allow us to review its effectiveness with the intention of expanding the program."

The department will use two camera models: the Axon Flex developed by stun-gun magnate TASER, and the LE3 made by Vievu.

Bratton said the department chose the models after meetings with police officials in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Oakland.

Bratton said officers will begin wearing the devices in the fall.

"This pilot program will provide transparency, accountability, and protection for both the police officers and those they serve, while reducing financial losses for the city," Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement. […]