Rockford Security Firm Buys Body Cameras; Morrissey Stresses Training Practices [AUDIO]

The head of a Rockford private security firm says body cameras for his employees provide "validation." Meanwhile, Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey tells WROK he better preparedness and training for officers is more important than body cameras.

According to the AP, ten officers from Metro Enforcement, which patrol Rockford public housing developments, have been fitted with small body cameras to record interactions with citizens.

Metro Enforcement Director Larry Hodges told the Rockford Register-Star that cameras will "validate the officers, the suspect, and the incident." He says they will help eliminate the "he-said-she-said" nature of law enforcement encounters.

Mayor Larry Morrissey was in studio recently for his "Ask The Mayor" program. He was addressing the subject of improved police training and whether or not he would like to invest in body cameras for the city's officers:

He later explained further why he believes better preparedness and training for officers is more important than body cameras:

Remember, once a month, Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey comes to the 1440 WROK studio to take your questions on his “Ask the Mayor” program hosted by Michael Koolidge. The Mayor will talk with Michael about issues impacting the city and its residents and will take comments and questions from our listeners.

The next edition of “Ask The Mayor” airs Friday, June 26, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.