President Obama requests $263 million for body cameras and police training

President Obama has requested the use of body cameras by police officers among other reforms.

In an effort to respond to ongoing protests in Ferguson, Mo.,  over police brutality against Black people, the White House on Monday announced several reforms, including plans to rebuild a federal program that provides police with military equipment.

“Recent events in Ferguson, Missouri and around the country have highlighted the importance of strong, collaborative relationships between local police and the communities they protect,” states a White House news release.

News one reports

The statement comes after President Barack Obama attended a series of meetings Monday to address the rising mistrust between law enforcement and minority groups. The proposal calls for the development of a uniform policy in the transfer of military-style vehicles and equipment. In part, the President is calling for recommendations to ensure the U.S. isn’t “militarized culture” within police departments.

President Barack Obama also promoted the use of body cameras by the police. A $263 million spending package to help police departments improve their community relations. Of the total, $74 million would be used to help pay for 50,000 of the small, lapel-mounted cameras to record police on the job, with state and local governments paying half the cost.

“As the nation has observed, trust between law enforcement agencies and the people they protect and serve is essential to the stability of our communities,” the statement reads.