Stoneham Police Department Receives $249,956 Grant to Secure Body-Worn Camera Equipment

STONEHAM — Police Chief James O’Connor is pleased to share that the Stoneham Police Department received a $249,956.60 grant from the Healey-Driscoll Administration as part of the FY25 Body-Worn Cameras (BWC) Grant Program. 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded more than $3 million in grant funds to 32 local police departments to implement or expand body-worn camera programs. 

The BWC Grant Program supports municipal police departments in planning and implementing a new BWC program or expanding an existing BWC program to improve officer and community safety.

Wearing body cameras demonstrates departments’ commitment to transparency and accountability and helps improve policing practices so that officers may better serve their communities. 

Research done by the Bureau of Justice Assistance suggests that implementing BWCs has led to reductions in crime, police-generated incidents, assaults against police officers, and complaints against police officers in certain communities.

It is estimated that the grants will support more than 1,200 officers.

“This funding will equip our department to serve our community at the highest level,” said Chief O’Connor. “We are thankful to the Healy-Drisocoll Administration for awarding us this much-needed funding. I would also like to extend a special thank you to Senator Jason Lewis and Representative Michael Day for their support in securing this grant. I would also like to thank Stoneham Town Administrator Dennis Sheehan for his work during this process, as well as, the Stoneham Police Association and the Stoneham Police Supervisors Association, for their assistance and partnership with the Body Worn Camera Initiative. We are fortunate to be able to use this funding to enhance our level of service to the community. “

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