Justice Department begins requiring federal agents wear body cameras

The Justice Department said Wednesday that law enforcement personnel within the agency will begin wearing body cameras.

The department said the usage of the cameras is the first phase of its Body-Worn Camera Program and that the devices will be worn during "pre-planned law enforcement operations."

Department officials said the program begins with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Phoenix and Detroit field divisions.

They also said that over the next several weeks the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Marshals Service will begin the first phase of the body-camera programs. 

The department said it plans  to "rely upon Congress to secure the necessary funding to equip agents nationwide."