Police-car cameras, typically faced out the windshield, have been around for more than 15 years but were slowly embraced by large departments because of the cost. They have a proven record of supporting good police work, exposing bad, and providing rock-solid evidence against DUI suspects and others.

Technology is moving toward tiny cameras attached to officers' uniforms, although the Las Vegas Police Protective Association has threatened to sue that department for not negotiating terms first, according to the Las Vegas Sun newspaper.

About a year ago, police here began using car cameras donated by the St. Louis Police Foundation, a private support group. Now, 140 district vehicles have them.

Jeff Roorda, business manager of the Police Officers Association, complained about inconsistent use of the recordings. "Officers should know what the cameras are going to be used for, when the cameras are activated and how they will be reviewed and what the discipline will be if you have a violation that results from the cameras," he said. "Right now, all that is in constant flux."

Police Chief Dan Isom dismisses the concerns as "growing pains." He said, "New technology and change is always difficult for an organization. If you talk to other departments, our growing process with this is consistent."