Memphis Police Department officials are planning to overhaul two main areas with budget requests — Tasers and camera equipment.

MPD chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis said Tuesday the department wants all officers outfitted with a Taser, something that isn’t the norm at the department.

Davis said the Tasers are needed as officers encounter higher numbers of those with mental illness, with Assistant Chief Shawn Jones saying it could help drive down excessive force numbers.

The new technologies sought would turn on body cameras in certain situations.

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“We won’t be subjected to human error,” Davis said during Tuesday’s budget hearing. “Blue lights turn on, body-worn cameras will be activated. Weapons are brandished, body- worn cameras will be activated.

“Much of what we’re requesting really will help us with ensuring that … we won’t have as much human error, or officers forgetting or in a situation where they can’t turn on the body-worn camera. It’s automatically activated.”

The change is just a portion of what the department is seeking in the new budget, as City Council officials determine what needs will be funded throughout the city. These programs and others, according to Davis, will be $11.6 million for fiscal year 2024.

The new technology will also allow cameras, in-car and body- worn, to be viewed in real time. Some of the new technologies are being tested in a pilot program already, according to MPD.

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Council Chairman Martavius Jones noted that it is a $55 million request over the five years, but essentially serves as a payment plan. Jones said that as it sits, the city will have a new mayor and could potentially have a new police director.

Jones questioned whether the Taser portion helps the solve rate.

“All of this is just my opinion. I think everyone would agree that we need cameras in interview rooms,” Jones said. “Do we put (an) $11 million down payment at this point when in six or seven months from now we’ll have a new chief executive officer of the City of Memphis?

“Would a Taser help that solve rate or would a crime lab bring that solve rate down?”

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Councilman Chase Carlisle mentioned how city officials have spent months talking about police accountability in the wake of the Tyre Nichols death and said this request will help solve that.

Chief Financial Officer Shirley Ford reiterated the message and said future councils could end the funding for the contract.

“But our hope is to build a process and facility around this technology that would allow our police to move forward in a very productive way,” Ford said.