The Ames Police Department has used a federal grant of more than $10,000 to purchase dashboard video cameras for the remaining four APD patrol cars that do not have them, said Sgt. Randy Kessel.

“The money was used not just for the machines themselves but for the system plus extra tapes and microphones that go on each officer’s belt,” Kessel said.

Ames Police Chief Dennis Ballantine said video equipment for each car costs about $4,000. He said the systems were installed a few weeks ago, and officers are finishing their operation training.

Kessel said the system uses VHS-type cassette tapes with the system recorder installed in the trunk. The cameras are operated by radar and are activated any time the emergency lights are turned on.

Any function of the system can be manually operated, and the cameras and emergency equipment are left on until the call is completed, he said.

“The system will be used to record traffic stops, OWIs and everything of an emergency nature,” Kessel said.

He said one benefit of the system is that it can be used as an “evidentiary tool” for the police department during court cases.

“The system can be used for not only an audio effect but a visual effect,” Kessel said.

Ballantine said the video tapes can be used as “visual evidence of what officers are seeing” and may also “help clear the air” concerning accusations that suggest an officer is being dishonest.

Ballantine said officers can read off the speeds of vehicles by speaking into the microphones attached to their belts.

The block grant the APD received is one they had to apply for well in advance of the entitlement, Kessel said.

Kessel calls the system of grant awarding a “filter down effect.”

He said the federal government gives money to the state, and the police department applied for the grant through the state.

“Different agencies are awarded different amounts for the programs that we feel we need,” Kessel said.