LAKEVILLE — The Lakeville Police Department has been awarded a $65,989 grant through the Healey-Driscoll Administration as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Body-Worn Camera Grant Program, providing funding to upgrade and expand the department’s existing body-worn camera system.
The department has utilized body-worn cameras since 2013 and completed full deployment across the agency in 2021 following a previous round of grant funding.
The new award will allow the department to replace its current Motorola WatchGuard VISTA cameras, which have reached the end of their support lifecycle, with upgraded Motorola V700 body-worn cameras.
“This funding allows us to upgrade and expand our existing body-worn camera program with equipment that meets today’s standards,” said Chief Matthew Perkins. “I want to thank Lt. Ryan Maltais for his work enhancing our program and securing this competitive grant, and I also thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for recognizing the importance of this investment.”
A collective bargaining agreement related to body-worn camera use was implemented in 2021. The department also maintains a comprehensive policy governing the use of body-worn cameras.
Statewide, the Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded nearly $3.5 million to 32 municipal police departments to implement new body-worn camera programs or expand existing ones. The grant program is administered through the Office of Grants and Research and supports the establishment or expansion of body-worn camera initiatives designed to enhance officer safety, reinforce public trust and improve overall community safety.
The Law Enforcement Body-Worn Camera Program was established in 2022 and has distributed nearly $13 million statewide to support municipal agencies.
“Body-worn cameras help establish clear, consistent standards for policing across Massachusetts,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “This investment supports professionalism and accountability statewide and helps police departments build trust with their communities.”
The Lakeville Police Department expects to deploy the new cameras by the fall.
###
Discover more from John Guilfoil Public Relations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.