D.C. Councilman Wants Guns on Cameras

Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. introduced a bill Tuesday called the Officer Firearm Camera Act of 2009. It would require D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty to explore a proposal that would put video recording devices on service weapons of all police officers working in the District.

The idea is to capture the circumstances anytime a law enforcement officer draws and discharges their weapons. The product is called PistolCam and is already being used in the city of Newburgh in upstate New York.

"The citizens in vulnerable neighborhoods often feel as though their rights are being trampled on," Thomas told FOX 5.

Thomas introduced the bill after getting feedback from residents of the Trinidad neighborhood who questioned the June 8, 2009 shooting of Trey Joyner, 25, by law enforcement. Thomas said this lightweight, pager-sized camera also protects officers and could go a long way in solving complaints.