CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Resolving cases of possible police brutality could become simpler with the use of miniature cameras worn on officers' uniforms.

Cleveland State University police have already purchased 24 of the so-called point-of-view cameras to record stops and interviews and to document crime and accident scenes. Solon police are considering them.

The cameras can be worn on hats, lapels, pockets or jewelry or even put on the handlebars of a bike or motorcycle. The video and audio they provide can be indisputable proof of each contact, since the recordings cannot be altered.

Terry Gilbert, a local defense attorney, said the cameras should be required in all police departments. "[It's] a dramatic development in criminal justice fairness, next to DNA," he said.

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason has no problem with their use.

"The more technology used by law enforcement is good for justice on both sides of the issue," he said.

Police in Oakland, Calif., have been using the cameras since March. At first, officers were buying them on their own to protect themselves in case of brutality charges.

The cameras record a wide-angle view, something dash cams installed in cruisers cannot. They are lightweight and portable, unlike dash cams. They are also a lot cheaper.

Dash cams cost up to $7,500 per vehicle. The miniature cameras go for $100 to $1,000.

The Veho Muvi Pro micro camcorder that the CSU police will use is about 2 inches long and an inch wide, with a protective alloy metal casing. It is voice activated. The camera records high-quality digital video and sound with a date and time stamp.

Solon police want the cameras as a supplement to dash cams, which show only what is directly in front of the vehicle.

The value of video provided by point-of-view cameras in prosecuting cases and in alleviating false accusations far outweighs any negatives, said Solon Police Chief Christopher Viland.

Oakland police, like some officers in Cleveland, have been accused in brutality cases.

"We would recommend them to all law enforcement agencies," said Holly Joshi, an Oakland officer and the force's public-information representative.

She said that since the cameras have been in use, most reviews made by the Internal Affairs division have found that officers performed their duties according to the law.

And, she said, the matters are resolved much quicker.

It is unknown if the Cleveland Police Department is considering the miniature cameras. Sgt. Sammy Morris, a police spokesman, could not be reached for comment.

Steve Loomis, president of the Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association, said he did not know enough about the devices to make an assessment.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: ljohnson@plaind.com, 216-999-4099