FRANKFORT, Ky. — For the first time, the Kentucky State Police will have body cameras. The cameras will increase officer safety and the public trust according to a release from Gov. Andy Beshear (D).

What You Need To Know

  •  Kentucky State Police will receive body cameras for the first time

  •  Approximately 780 troopers will receive the cameras

  •  Gov. Andy Beshear approved spending $12.2 million for the system

  • 28 civilians are also being hired to help handle maintenance and archiving

Approximately 780 sworn troopers will receive the cameras.

Beshear said, “These recording devices will provide protection to our troopers and officers by documenting exactly what happens during a situation.” He added, “KSP is committed to being the best and to doing things right. I commend them for their transparency.”

Beshear announced in Nov. 2021 plans to invest funds to improve public safety. His plan included $12.2 million for KSP to buy an “integrated video recording system.” He signed legislation in April 2022 that funded the system.

Once the new state budget took effect, KSP evaluated the systems available to them and conducted tests, which included defensive drills, firearms simulations, live fire trainings and typical day-to-day trooper duties. The system KSP will use is the Motorola M500 Integrated System. It includes not only the body camera and recording device but also in-car video using high-definition cameras. The cameras will record a forward dash view and the rear passenger area of the patrol car. The system will automatically upload audio and video recorded by troopers to a virtual storage area.

KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said, “KSP plans to deploy the Motorola system in all cruisers by the end of 2023, beginning with newly issued cruisers first. Troopers assigned to those cruisers will receive the corresponding body worn cameras at that time.”

Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Kerry Harvey said, “Public safety is fundamental to creating a better Kentucky for all of those who choose to call the commonwealth their home. These devices demonstrate to the public that reviews of law enforcement activity will be thorough and transparent, thereby strengthening public trust in law enforcement.”

KSP will hire 28 civilian employees to help with documentation, system maintenance and archiving of footage.

Related Stories