In wake of Ferguson, President Obama says police should wear body cameras

President Obama wants funding to provide officers around the country with  body cameras
President Obama wants funding to provide officers around the country with body cameras (Photo AP)

In response to the recent Michael Brown case in Ferguson, Mo., President Barack Obama is asking Congress for funding to buy 50,000 body cameras for police officers around the country to wear while on duty. The small, lapel-mounted cameras can be used to record events such as altercations, shootings, and more.

He commented that he wants to ensure the United States is not supporting or building a “militarized culture” within police departments. He added that he would be creating a task force to study success stories and recommend ways the government can support accountability, transparency and trust in police.

Obama says the goal is to build trust and confidence between police and minority communities around the country. He is proposing a three-year, $263 million spending package to increase use of body-worn cameras, expand training for law enforcement and add more resources for police department reform. The package includes $75 million to help pay for 50,000 of the cameras to record police on the job, with state and local governments paying half the cost.

During a recent press conference, Obama said: “Part of the reason this time will be different is because the president of the United States is deeply invested in making sure that this time is different. It violates my belief in what America can be to hear young people feeling marginalized and distrustful even after they’ve done everything right.”

Black leaders such as Al Sharpton, and even the family of Michael Brown, support the idea heavily.

Historic Pearl High School Archive and Museum celebrates permanent home

Nashville celebrates the permanent home of the Historic Pearl High School Archive and Museum, honoring 84 years of Black educational history and the alumni who

Stephen A. Smith calls NABJ award a ‘personal hit job’

Stephen A. Smith pushes back after receiving NABJ’s Thumbs Down award, disputing claims of disparaging commentary about Black women and calling the decision a personal

Jamie Isabel, Nashville businessman and former council member, remembered for leadership, service

Jamie Dewitt Isabel, Sr., a Nashville businessman, TSU alumnus, entrepreneur, and former Metro Council member, is remembered for his decades of leadership, service, and community

Mayor’s Winter Storm Commission identifies improvements needed after ice storm

Nashville’s Winter Storm Response Commission identifies strengths and major gaps in emergency planning, communication, and coordination following the city’s unprecedented ice storm.

Trump admin. halts Harriet Tubman $20 Bill redesign

The Trump administration has halted the Harriet Tubman $20 bill redesign, reigniting debate over U.S. currency, representation, and new proposals involving Trump‑era commemorative money.