The East Lansing Police Department is pictured on July 6, 2017.
—East Lansing Police will implement a new policy requiring them to get permission from city council before buying surveillance equipment.
At the discussion only East Lansing City Council meeting Tuesday night, ELPD Chief Larry Sparkes presented the new policy.
Under the policy, the police chief must establish there is a valid reason to get the equipment. Equipment that needs approval includes technology that can capture, record or monitor audio or visuals.
“We view this as another step forward in regards to transparency,” Sparkes said.
The policy should go into effect by Friday, Oct. 27, after it is reviewed one more time.
It is more a preventive measure than a necessary one, Sparkes said.
“We don’t have any intention of going out and acquiring any more surveillance technology than we’re currently using,” Sparkes said.
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