Keller @ Large: Suffolk DA Disappointed In Boston Police Union Handling Of Body Cameras

BOSTON (CBS) - Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley says he's "disappointed" in how the Boston Police union leadership has handled the body camera pilot program.

One hundred Boston police officers will take part when the program starts September 1. But none volunteered for it, so the 100 were randomly chosen and forced to join.

"I've been a big supporter of the police going to body cameras for a good couple of years now. I think it would really help us. I've seen the power of video, not only in our prosecutions, but also in police-involved shooting cases," Conley told WBZ-TV's Jon Keller on Sunday's Keller @ Large.

"Body camera footage can be extremely helpful in, hopefully, the rare event where things go off the rails."

The union has been worried that the cameras could be a problem when officers interact with people, especially informants or witnesses. They're also concerned that the cost of the cameras and video storage will take money away from other areas of need, such as weapons and gear.

Conley also said he's happy a date has been finally set for Aaron Hernandez's double murder trial in February 2017.

Hernandez is already serving a life sentence for killing Odin Lloyd in 2013.

He's accused of shooting and killing Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado after one of the men accidentally spilled a drink on him in 2012.

"I want to see this case tried," Conley said.