NYPD Recalls Thousands Of Body Cameras After One Explodes

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- Nearly 3,000 of the NYPD’s body worn cameras are being taken out of service.

According to the NYPD, the body cameras are undergoing inspections after one camera exploded Saturday night.

The NYPD said an officer at the 121st Precinct on Staten Island was about to begin his shift late Saturday and put on his body camera when he noticed it had begun emitting smoke.

He took it off and the camera suddenly exploded.

No injuries were reported but the city is recalling about 2,990 ViewU LE-5 cameras.

A department spokesperson said the officers will go without body cameras while the NYPD tried to figure out the exact cause of the explosion.

Officials said it appears that the battery in the new models can somehow catch on fire.

An older camera model, the ViewU LE-4, will still be worn by officers throughout the department.