Leaders of three state councils representing minority members lauded the state Department of Public Safety's plans Friday to seek legislative approval to fund cameras in all Minnesota squad cars as a way to increase police professionalism.
The leaders met with Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion and others to discuss the meltdown of the Metro Gang Strike Force and plans to resurrect a new agency to replace it.
They agreed that putting cameras in cars, potentially funded with state and federal grants, could help curb abuses.
About 200 Minnesota law enforcement agencies are still without squad-car cameras. Campion acknowledged that such a technological advancement would benefit advocates for police and minority groups alike.
"Time and time and time again, we watch the news and it speaks for itself," Campion said. "I would tell you that videotapes don't lie. ... It is still filtered through my perception of what took place, but I think the technology will be a very significant tool and in time will enhance the professionalism across the board."
The discussion came during a meeting that all parties said was a needed step as the department develops plans to replace the disbanded Strike Force that came under fire in part for unfairly targeting people of color.
Directors of three of the state's four councils representing minority groups discussed their concerns as authorities prepare to unveil their plans for a new gang task force that will include federal oversight and funding.
Chief among those concerns was that their input and involvement be used by the new task force.