CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Clarksville Police Department (CPD) and the City of Clarksville are ready to start the first phase of live implementation of the police body-worn camera program.

The first live fielding of body-worn cameras will take place Oct. 29. According to a release from City of Clarksville officials, the cameras will be worn by handpicked “super users” who have completed training on the camera equipment and associated software. Prosecutors also have received training on the system.

In the fall of 2017, the City was awarded a $337,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, with an equal match approved by the Clarksville City Council, to begin equipping Clarksville Police Department officers with body-worn camera.

CPD’s body-worn camera policy was developed with input from the community, revised and updated several times and approved by the U.S. Department of Justice. This policy is a “living document” that will continue to evolve and be changed as needed. Body-worn camera policy training has been completed for every sworn officer on the Clarksville Police Department.

“The implementation schedule is on track and the ‘go live’ date for patrol officers in the policing districts will begin mid-November with a projected completion in February 2019, barring any major glitches,” Chief Al Ansley said in a release. “The phased approach will progress contingent on obstacles or roadblocks encountered as the body-worn cameras are fielded and the complexity of the solutions necessary to overcome the difficulties.”

Ansley stressed that CPD intends to be diligent and fix issues as they arise, ensuring the most efficient implementation of the body-worn cameras.

“We’ve worked hard for several years to secure this grant, formulate the policy, conduct the training and implement the body-worn camera program,” Mayor Kim McMillan said. “Now we’re ready to go live, and I’m sure our Police Department will use these new tools to serve and protect our residents, and provide additional transparency and accountability.”

CPD and the City, as part of the grant requirements, will continue to provide status updates to the U.S. Department of Justice. Additionally, CPD will keep the public apprised as the body-worn cameras are fielded.

“We not only welcome, but solicit the public’s comments,” Ansley said.