Des Moines to Test Cameras in City Vehicles

The city of Des Moines, Iowa, will be installing surveillance cameras in 125 city vehicles to test whether the technology can hold employees accountable for their driving and reduce the number of accidents.

The pilot project is scheduled to begin April 1.

The Des Moines Register says some critics question the technology’s ability to snoop on people and some City Council members have raised questions about the costs. Experts on the technology and officials from governments already using the technology say the cameras increase public safety and save money for taxpayers.

Des Moines fleet manager Brian Bennett says the cameras wouldn’t be installed on Des Moines police cars because the officers’ dashboard cameras must perform a wider array of functions.