The head of a Rockford private security firm says body cameras for his employees provide "validation." 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 says 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. Hodges hopes to purchase 40 more of the $350 cameras by year's end. The General Assembly approved legislation last week establishing first-in-the nation rules for using body cameras for police officers. It awaits action by Gov. Bruce Rauner. The measure would tack $5 onto the cost of traffic tickets to pay for cameras and training.
