When the Bridgeport City Council votes on the city budget Monday night, it will also take up the issue of whether to provide all residents with identification cards and implement police body cameras.
The identification program would be similar to one that New Haven adopted a few years ago that allows every resident, even those who are undocumented citizens, to have an ID card. Hartford has also proposed such a program.
"We want everyone to have equal access to city resources and a fair shot at making their way in the United States," said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch.
The city council's Hispanic caucus brought up the idea, which seems to have many supporters in Bridgeport, even after the backlash it received in New Haven.
"I think everybody should have identification on themselves because you never know what will happen," said Bridgeport resident Haydee Carrasquillo.
Another part of the budget includes funding to bring body cameras to the Bridgeport Police Department. City Council President Thomas McCarthy said the cameras gained support after questions about policing across the country.
"We’ve put money in the budget to allow for a pilot program at the very minimum, so we can really start looking to see if that’s something that would be effective here in the city of Bridgeport," said McCarthy.
He said community members have expressed interest in the program. Some believe it will protect citizens and officers alike.
"With everything that’s been happening with the police, you know, they have to defend themselves too. I think with them having cameras, it’s their point of view of what’s happening as well," said Melissa Carrasquillo, of Bridgeport.
Even if the city council votes on the budget and approves it, the two initiatives won’t go into effect right away. There’s still a long process ahead before either can be implemented.
