The Palo Alto City Council voted unanimously Monday night to allocate funds for police officers in the city to wear body-mounted video cameras. Nine officers will pilot the camera technology, designed to collect video evidence when officers are away from their vehicles.

The $305,000 contract with WatchGuard Video also includes new in-car camera systems for patrol cars, six of which are scheduled for installation in June. There will also be a new a system installed in a fire department battalion chief van.

These technological upgrades are implemented with the goal of seeing how video recorders can increase line personnel’s safety and accountability, according to a report from the city manager’s office.