Richmond Police Get Shipment Of 120 Body Cameras To Wear In 2015

RICHMOND (CBS/AP) -- Police in a Northern California city will be equipped with body-worn cameras next year.

The Richmond Police Department received a shipment of 120 cameras that cost a combined $84,000 last week. The cameras were paid for by a U.S. Department of Justice grant. All officers are expected to be outfitted with the cameras by the middle of next month.

The matchbook-sized cameras will be worn on officers' lapel and a power source will be kept in their breast pockets.

A growing number of police departments in the San Francisco Bay Area and the nation are implementing the devices or considering using the cameras.

Richmond police Chief Chris Magnus say he hopes the cameras will protect officers and public by documenting exchanges.