Butler police are giving body cameras a trial run while officials look for funding to purchase enough to equip the entire department.

The department received two body cameras from a vendor last week to try out for 30 days, said Chief Bob O'Neill.

“It gives us an idea on how they work. The cameras were given to us by a vendor. It's my goal to get body cameras. We're just looking to get the funding,” O'Neill said. “I'm hoping for a successful trial run.”

The cameras make audio and visual recordings.

“I'm in full support. I think the department needs them for the safety of the citizens and the officers,” Mayor Ben Smith said.

He said funding for the cameras was included in the proposed 2021 budget, but was among several line items that were eliminated to reduce spending in the final budget.

O'Neill said he will use what the department learns from the trial run in applications for grant money to buy cameras.

“The goal is to buy 12, so everybody working will have them, and we'll rotate them out for the next shift,” O'Neill said.