(La Porte, IN) - La Porte County Police officers could be wearing body cameras soon.  The La Porte County Council Monday night approved a request from the Sheriff to apply for federal dollars that would pay 70-percent of the over $650,000 expense.

Sheriff John Boyd said more than 70 body cameras would be purchased and worn by all of his deputies and courthouse security officers.  According to Boyd, the first payment on the local match of the grant would not be due until the third year of the five year grant.

Boyd said his officers have gone without body cameras since cameras purchased several years ago were returned because of issues like poor quality and slow downloading speed.  He said body cameras offer protection in areas like safety of officers and members of the public.  Cameras also protect against liability by offering proof on unwarranted claims.

Boyd hopes to know if the grant application is approved or denyed by next spring.