breaking news

Bella Vista PD Eyeing New Dash Cams

By: Tyler Thomason

Updated: March 22, 2013

"We're going to be able to have digital evidence," says Capt. Tim Cook with the Bella Vista Police Department.

That's just one bonus that comes with a brand new police car camera system.

"It's majorly important for us to have this equipment because one, it will be a uniform system across the board," Cook says.

Bella vista PD is in the process of hearing bids for the advanced equipment that could soon find itself in 23 squad cars.

Something that Cook says is a far cry from what the department has relied on up until now.

"We had bought some cheaper cameras in the past, and as anything sometimes you get what you pay for," Cook says.

A couple requirements for this new camera system is that it has a front-view angle as well an additional rear-view camera for prisoner transport.

"We've got to make sure that, one, we're getting a good system, but two, we're not overpaying," Cook says.

The 13 bids carry a price tag range of anywhere from $114,000 to $193,000.

"Some of them are very impressive, and some of them may be a little lackluster," Cook says.

"One of the things of it is, is you spend this kind of money -- you want to make sure you're buying a very good product that's going to last the department for a long time."

The city is expected to decide on a purchase Monday, for a police gadget that seems to be worth every penny.

"Price is going to matter, of course we want to be good stewards of people's money," Cook says.

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