The East Bridgewater Police Department has deployed body-worn cameras for all of its sworn full-time officers. (Photo Courtesy East Bridgewater Police Department)
EAST BRIDGEWATER — Chief Michael Jenkins is pleased to report that the East Bridgewater Police Department has officially launched a body-worn camera program for all sworn full-time officers, along with cruiser-mounted cameras, effective today.
All officers have been outfitted with body-worn cameras, which are embedded in their uniforms to prevent detachment, and have received training on how to operate and use the devices. Two officers will also be piloting a newer external body-worn camera from Utility.
“Launching the body-worn camera program is an important step in our mission to provide the best services possible to our community, in a way that fosters added transparency and accountability,” said Chief Jenkins. “I would like to thank everyone who has supported the planning and implementation of this initiative, including the Town Administration, State Representative Alyson Sullivan-Almeida, and Senator Michael Brady. I look forward to seeing how the program can help us enrich the police-community relationship in East Bridgewater and strengthen public trust.”
As of today, most officers are required by department policy to wear body-worn cameras at all times during their shifts. Policy dictates that they activate the camera during all police interactions, while also considering expectations of privacy, such as during medical calls or when dealing with confidential informants.
Before the program’s launch, the department conducted research on policy and best practices, vetted vendors, negotiated with police unions, collaborated with the selected vendor to tailor the system to the department’s needs, and developed formal policies for camera use and data storage.
In addition to body-worn cameras, the department is utilizing in-car video systems with unlimited storage in 10 marked patrol cruisers.
“The launch of this program keeps the East Bridgewater Police Department in line with best practices in transparency and accountability, and I am proud to see our department moving forward with this initiative,” said Chief Jenkins. “I also would like to commend my command staff, as well as our union leadership, and the membership of the Police Department for working together to bring the body-worn camera initiative to East Bridgewater, recognizing its value, and putting in the work required to implement it.”
East Bridgewater remains at the forefront of innovation in Massachusetts for police-community relations. The cameras will improve public safety, strengthen community relations, and enhance the values of transparency and accountability.
The department collaborated with Utility Associates Inc., a law enforcement technology provider, to procure the cameras and equipment. The program was funded by $246,000 in state grants allocated by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research (OGR) Body-Worn Camera (BWC) program in January, along with additional funding through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).
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