Police officers are often faced with split second decisions that can mean the difference between life and death. That's why a D.C. councilmember says they need an extra pair of eyes.

The mini-camera starts rolling whenever an officer draws a gun, recording not only visuals, but audio as well.

"They're in life and death situations and they have to justify what they do," said D.C. Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr.

Thomas is proposing that all D.C. police firearms be outfitted with the technology. He says, not only will it document officer involved shootings, it could save the city millions in officer conduct investigations.

"When we put cameras in police cruisers, people were like why are you doing that. We can see where it's saved and helped in instance after instance when police were threatened (or) shot," said Councilmember Thomas.

He's hoping the city will introduce cameras this summer when officers receive assault rifles. But with a hefty price tag of nearly $700 per camera, some other councilmembers are calling it a shot in the dark.

His colleagues say excessive force with a firearm cases are rare, but Thomas says, with more guns on the street, not buying the camera could backfire.

"I have the upmost confidence in our police department and what they do. I think what we need to do is protect them in a better sense," said Thomas.

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