A pitch to put video cameras in all city of Pittsburgh police cars drew applause Tuesday from the area's top prosecutor, but skepticism from the union representing officers.

Councilman Ricky Burgess introduced legislation that would compel the city to put video and audio recording equipment in all new police cars, and to add it to every car in the fleet within five years. The proposal was driven, he said, by allegations that three undercover officers beat Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts High School senior Jordan Miles on Jan. 12.

"We would have a live feed, a recording of what was going on," Mr. Burgess said. While boosting public confidence in law enforcement, video and audio recording of incidents also would give officers "protection against unwarranted accusations."

Police officials said there are already 32 vehicles with car cameras installed, with another 35 scheduled to go in over the next six weeks. By the end of this month, cars in Zone 5 and Zone 6 will have cameras. The bureau has around 300 vehicles.

Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. said that just 1 percent of drunken driving stops that are videotaped go to trial. As a result, he said, "I can reallocate assets and people to more significant types of crimes that we have to address, such as gun violence."

Audio recording is legal as long as the officer immediately tells the subject that they are taping, he said. "If you know you're being recorded, you're much less likely to do anything criminal against the police officer."

Fraternal Order of Police President Dan O'Hara said he has no objection to recording devices in cars, but doesn't think they eliminate the possibility of false allegations. "I would question why we can get a camera program taken care of quickly, but we still don't have assault rifles" available to patrol officers, he said.

The bureau has been trying to distribute assault rifles since the April 4 killing of three officers in Stanton Heights, but has faced delays.

Mr. Burgess said that more than half of police departments already have cameras in cars.

Cranberry is just beginning its camera program. "It's the false allegations that we're concerned about," said Lt. Kevin Myer. "We'll be able to dispute those with video evidence."

The cameras and microphones can be open continuously, but save footage only if the car reaches a certain speed, activates lights or sirens, has a door opened or crashes, he said.

His officers, he conceded, are "not real keen on it," viewing it as intrusive.

Cranberry is paying $4,800 per camera, including equipment that ties them into mobile computers.

Mr. Zappala said that if Mr. Burgess can secure $40,000 in camera funding, he'll match it.

Mr. Burgess also introduced legislation requiring that all officers under investigation for excessive use of force be placed on paid leave, and creating a task force to study ways the bureau can improve practices. He said Mr. Miles' family gave him permission to call the bills "the Jordan Miles Public Safety Reform Agenda." The legislation will be the subject of an as-yet-unscheduled special meeting in Council Chamber and a public hearing in his district before any vote.

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.