Wichita police get new, improved set of body cameras

The Wichita Police Department is getting a new set of body cameras, bringing the total number of cameras on the force to more than 500.

The department says it's benefiting from a grant to purchase 50 new cameras for field sergeants. These cameras are an upgrade from the ones Wichita police officers currently use.

"These are more durable. They added some waterproof protection," says WPD Capt. Wendell Nicholson. "They record in high definition. The battery packs last for a full shift."

Officers say the new body cameras activate when lights and sirens are turned on. The department says this is the first phase of a body-camera upgrade.

The department says it expects another upgrade in about two years.