State Senator Eric Adams, a Brooklyn Democrat and former police officer, is attempting to create support for an interesting, albeit expensive pilot program aimed at bringing transparency to court cases involving police shootings.  The program would require digital cameras to be fixed to the handguns of police officers in New York so shooting events could be recorded and reviewed if the matter ever went to court as a wrongful death lawsuit. 

Adams said the $695, five ounce cameras would be activated immediately after an officer's gun was drawn from his holster.  About 60 minutes worth of data could be stored on the device and allegedly, none of the data could be altered by police officers.  The images captured might also help identify suspects who get away.

"We believe the state of New York can lead the country," said Adams. "There no longer can be a question mark that lingers after shootings."

The senator is drumming up support for a pilot program that would allow testing by police at shooting ranges.  State police are reviewing the technology, said Michael Balboni, the state's deputy secretary for public safety. If proved credible, the program would be tested and may ultimately lead to a state-wide mandate for the gun cameras - the nation's first. 

In New York City alone, there are nearly 38,000 police officers.  At the current cost, equipping the force with the gun cameras would cost nearly $26 million.  That would equate to New York's most expensive photo shoot.

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