June 6, 2020

 A statement from Mayor Christine Lundberg advocating for full funding of body-worn cameras for the Springfield Police Department

These are difficult and stressful times. The murder of George Floyd was unacceptable and the racist actions that led to this unjust death are ones that cannot be condoned. Our community will not support such actions – Black Lives Matter.

In Springfield, we have discussed financial options to add body-worn cameras to our budget for several years and this year we added the program to the proposed budget. At the same time, cities began dealing with the current pandemic and are now making difficult budget reductions. We have heard the recent feedback from many in the community concerned over the proposed removal of funds to initiate a body-worn camera program within Springfield Police Department. I have heard the concerns, and I agree. I also prefer not to wait until Monday night’s City Council meeting to make my perspective known.

On Monday, I will be recommending that we fully fund and initiate the proposed body-worn camera program and encourage my fellow councilors to do the same. I support our law enforcement professionals in Springfield and agree the cameras are a vital tool that all police departments should employ.

 

Christine Lundberg
Springfield Mayor