Lemont Police Testing Body-Worn Cameras

LEMONT, IL — Lemont Police Department has started trying out different body-worn cameras for its officers, Police Chief Marc Maton shared with Patch.

Maton said the department narrowed it down to three vendors, which also happen to be the three largest camera vendors.

All Illinois law enforcement agencies are required to implement a body-worn camera program no later than Jan. 1, 2025.

Lemont officers began trying out the body-worn cameras on Tuesday. Maton said that over the next six weeks, officers will try out each of the three vendors for two weeks apiece.

"At the end of the six weeks, the committee will review, and decide on the vendor," Maton said, adding that there are not many vendors out there anymore and the cameras are all fairly similar.

He said 25 body cameras will be ordered for all Lemont officers, and the department is also applying for grants to help with the cost of the program.

"[I'm] hoping by the end of the fiscal year on April 30, we'll have a vendor selected," Maton said. "My target is September or October to have all officers wearing them."