Your Tuesday evening update on Salem news

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Good evening….

In July 2020, the union representing Salem police officers came out in support of body cameras.

As Salem Reporter recounted in an article then: “Scotty Nowning, Salem Police Employees Union president, wrote to city councilors on June 24 to ask that the Salem City Council consider buying body worn cameras “’o increase the transparency of the review of the actions that our officers take as guardians in our community.’ “

That came as local activists also called for Salem to join the ranks of the recording officers.

More than a year later, in November 2021, the Salem City Council voted to accept state money to buy the body cameras.

On Wednesday, Feb. 7, officials from the Salem Police Department will hold a news conference to announce the deployment of the body cameras. The agency set in place a policy for their use a year ago.

Recordings from body cameras have become essential resources for both the public and for officers. The Oregon State Police recently released such footage after its traffic stops of a state legislator were cast as potentially racist.

Salem Reporter will have a full report for you tomorrow on this change to policing and what it means for the community.

Meantime, other local news from your Salem-focused news team:

‘Cool’ cat among artifacts in Salem display of items from ordinary life in ancient days
A Willamette University professor will give a free public lecture on Thursday, Feb. 9, to give insights into a collection of artifacts from ancient times in Greece, Egypt and the…
‘Cool’ cat among artifacts in Salem display of items from ordinary life in ancient days
A Willamette University professor will give a free public lecture on Thursday, Feb. 9, to give insights into a collection of artifacts from ancient times in Greece, Egypt and the…
Kotek proposes $13.5 billion for education but critics say more is needed
Experts say the state needs to spend even more to keep Oregon schools running as they are, let alone improve them.
Kotek proposes $13.5 billion for education but critics say more is needed
Experts say the state needs to spend even more to keep Oregon schools running as they are, let alone improve them.
City fair offers guidance in Spanish on housing assistance, grants
The city of Salem’s resource fair on Tuesday will also provide information about growing a business and applying for a job at the city.
City fair offers guidance in Spanish on housing assistance, grants
The city of Salem’s resource fair on Tuesday will also provide information about growing a business and applying for a job at the city.
Salem man arrested for stabbing, attempted carjackings in grocery lots
Roberto C. Chacon is accused of stabbing another person and trying to steal two cars early Monday morning. He previously served prison time for a 2017 stabbing.
Salem man arrested for stabbing, attempted carjackings in grocery lots
Roberto C. Chacon is accused of stabbing another person and trying to steal two cars early Monday morning. He previously served prison time for a 2017 stabbing.

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