TOWSON, Md. (AP) — Baltimore County Police are beginning a program to equip 1,400 officers with body cameras.

Chief Jim Johnson said at a news conference Thursday that the first 150 cameras will be deployed in July 2016. He said the times call for police agencies to enhance accountability and strengthen relationships with communities.

The program will cost $7.1 million in its first five years. That includes hiring at least 21 additional full-time personnel to manage the program.

The move comes as police agencies across the country are considering body cameras following the deaths of several unarmed black men during or as the result of encounters with law enforcement. In neighboring Baltimore city, riots broke out in the case of Freddie Gray, who died in April from injuries received while in police custody.

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(Photo: Al Seib/Pool/Landov)