UNC Charlotte officers to begin wearing body cameras

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — More than 27,000 University of North Carolina at Charlotte students are served by dozens of campus police officers.

Soon the officers will be getting more resources. Starting next week, they'll all be equipped with body camera.

• RELATED: CMPD officers to start using body cameras

Police Chief Jeff Baker told Channel Nine the high-profile events involving police recently in Ferguson and North Charleston played a role in wanting all of his officers to record interactions.

Campus police officers will also be required to take a test two times a year on policing, the law and students' rights.

Baker said if officers fail a portion of the test, they'll be retested and take the exam again.

"It’s a lot to learn," Baker said. "It's a lot to comprehend. It's an incredibly complex occupation."

Baker said the new cameras and test requirements are being put in place to make students feel safe.

Some students said they're open to the idea.

"If they're staying up on the latest stuff, we're going to be safe," Amanda Cella said.

Body camera footage will not be public and only available in trial.

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