Pittsburgh Police Department to Expand Use of Body Cameras

In a reversal of their position, Pittsburgh's top police officials will allow patrol officers to wear video cameras, even though it's illegal to record inside someone's home, reports the Tribune-Review .

The police bureau is expanding its use of body cameras, Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Sonya Toler told the Tribune-Review , now that it received a $250,000 grant from the Department of Justice to buy 200 of the devices, supplementing the 35 that motorcycle and bicycle officers use.

Officials have not said when the cameras will be deployed. Eventually, however, they will be worn by officers who respond to domestic violence calls, reports of gunfire and emergencies.

Patrol officers were to begin wearing body cameras in February, but Chief Cameron McLay halted his plan because of unresolved privacy concerns.

Police spokeswoman Emily Shaffer said officers will take care not to run afoul of privacy laws.