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President Obama Devotes Millions To Put Body Cameras On Police

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Rebuilding America's trust in police. Monday, President Barack Obama announced tens of millions of dollars to help put body cameras on police officers. It's a hot button issue in Balitmore.

Christie Ileto has more on how these cameras could help put faith back in the department.

They're a source of controversy in Baltimore but President Obama is proposing body cams be on officers nationwide following fallout in Ferguson where a white officer was cleared of all charges after shooting an unarmed black teen. It highlights residents' distrust for police.

"This is not a problem simply in Ferguson; this is a problem that is national," he said.

The proposal includes $263 million for officer training and police department reform and $75 million for 50,000 body cameras.

"It's like oh my God, I was in tears because it's something we've been demanding," said Tawanda Jones.

Jones has been crusading for body cameras after her brother, Tyrone West, died last summer in police custody.

"The video just tells you everything. The video holds accountability to the fullest," she said.

The FBI reports a little more than 600,000 officers are using body cameras---a device that some Maryland police departments are already using. Laurel police have been using body cameras for over a year and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake just ordered a study on the device.

Not everyone is sold. Still...

"When they go on the scene and arrive on the scene, we'll be able to see what exactly is going on," said Darlene Cain, Mothers Against Police Brutality.

Moments on tape that community activists say will restore residents' trust in police.

The president's plan will need Congressional approval and will provide a 50% funding match to participating agencies.

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