PLANTATION, Fla. — Plantation police officers are now equipped with body-worn cameras, marking a significant step toward increasing transparency and public trust.

All 153 officers who interact with the public are wearing the new devices during traffic stops, calls for service, and other enforcement activities.

“These cameras will be utilized during citizen interactions, traffic stops, calls for service, and other enforcement activities,” the department said in a statement.

Mayor Nick Sortal, who took office in 2022, has championed the effort from the beginning. He acknowledged that while many nearby agencies adopted the technology earlier, Plantation needed time to secure funding.

“It’s not like we dragged our feet because we didn’t want them,” Sortal said. “It was a matter of approving the money and getting everything through.”

The city received a $500,000 grant to help fund the rollout, though the total cost is expected to reach several million dollars. Sortal says additional grant funding is still being pursued.

At a recent community safety meeting, where officers wore the cameras publicly for the first time, residents showed support.

“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” said Bonnie Acampora. “With the camera on the police officer, being able to record everything that’s happening—there will be no doubt of what’s happening.”

The department confirmed that officers have been trained in how to properly use the cameras. Officials say the goal is clear: to build trust, ensure accountability, and enhance transparency in police-community interactions.

Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.