East Peoria signs $800K contract for new police body cams, other video tools

EAST PEORIA (25 News Now) - East Peoria Police are getting new body cameras and other video equipment following unanimous city council action Tuesday night.

East Peoria officers have worn body cams for about the past five years, but the current vendor is being sold to a company that’s selling the new equipment for the department.

The city will pay about $812,000 over the five-year contract with AXON Enterprise. The Arizona firm will provide East Peoria PD with 49 body cameras, in-car cameras for 41 police cruisers and cameras for two interview rooms.

Mayor John Kahl credits Democratic State Sen. David Koehler of Peoria with securing state crimefighting dollars to help pay for the cameras.

Chief Rich Brodrick said AXON will replace all the cameras with newer equipment after 2 1/2-years.

The chief said the new body cams should arrive in about 90 days.