Human Resources Administration officers want more than body cameras to stay safe
Officers for the Human Resources Administration in Brooklyn are expected to get body cameras by the end of the year.
An internal memo from Commissioner Steven Banks stated that giving officers "body worn cameras later this year is part of this effort to keep everyone safe."
The initiative comes after a knife was found in the waiting area and a man with a clown mask walked into the office with a gun.
The Department of Social Services offered a statement that said in part: "As part of our ongoing reforms for the agency we have worked to ensure that client service locations, in particular the client waiting area, continue to be a welcoming environment at all times for staff and clients alike."
Officer Union President Derek Jackson says this is just the first step in what they have been asking for to make the building safer.
"Body cameras are a start but we also feel very strongly about the use of scanning," Jackson said. "Scanning is done almost in every governmental building in New York City. Scanning is done in City Hall. Scanning is done in department citywide administrative buildings."
One worker told News 12 that she's afraid to come to work every day and is considering quitting if changes aren't made.
The Human Resources Administration tells News 12 it continues to meet with unions to review safety procedures.