One division of the LAPD will have videocameras operating in patrol cars in April as testing continues to ensure the system will work without detracting from officers' duties, officials said Monday.

Senior lead officers have been testing the equipment for the past month to ensure the cameras clearly capture the actions of officers, said Maggie Goodrich, commanding officer of the department's newly formed Information Technology Bureau.

"We have made significant progress on our issues, involving the images and time synchronization," Goodrich said. "We have been able to resolve that."

Goodrich said officials have compared images recorded from the LAPD cameras with those from other departments and also has reviewed the footage to ensure it would meet the standards for evidence in court cases.

"Our images are equal to or better than other agencies," she said.

The tests are being conducted in the Los Angeles Police Department's South Bureau. Assistant Chief Sandy Jo MacArthur said officials hope to have the cameras operating in patrol cars in April.

Councilman Greig Smith asked that tests be conducted in the San Fernando Valley to ensure that the quality of the images is not impacted by recently installed LED streetlights.

"I understand there is a tremendous improvement in lighting, but we want to make sure these cameras are able to operate in those conditions before we commit to buying them for all the cars we have," Smith said.