Madera Police testing two of their new cameras to improve transparency between police and the public

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- New body cameras at the Madera Police Department are offering a clearer picture on how officers respond to calls.

The department is testing two of their new cameras in hope of improving transparency between police and the public.

"Now the people who weren't there get to see what really happened, and how it went down," said Lt. Brian Esteves.

Alicia Keiser is patrol officer at the department and says the new camera will let people clearly hear and see a dangerous situation.

"They've been beneficial for us cause they're able to capture what the officer experience, audio and visual...of what the officer sees and what is said," said Keiser.

The department has already been using cameras in their cars for years. The body cameras will work alongside the existing technology.

"On the field, we feel this will hopefully lead to less use of force because not only does the officer know they're being videotaped but also does the person that's acting out," said Lt. Esteves.

When it comes to taking the stand, attorneys believe the cameras will help beyond the crime scene and into the courtroom.

"The clearer it is the easier it will be to display it to a jury. The more they're going to see of the crime scene, and the better the verdict will be," said Madera County District Attorney David Linn.

Crisp and clear video comes at a price, each of the cameras cost a little under $1,000 dollars--the entire system totaling around $130,000.