For those who hate having their photograph taken, don’t get stopped by Middle or Lower Township police officers. They might have a body camera that’s recording everything that is said and done.
In separate releases, both departments announced, a day apart, their intention to begin 30-45 day pilot programs using body cameras.
The devices, produced by Taser International, are relatively small, and are worn on the front of the shirt.
Middle Township Police Chief Christopher Leusner stated, Jan. 15, his department would begin testing that day by patrol officers.
Lower Township Police Chief William Mastriana noted his department would “be rolling out the use of body cameras Jan. 16, along with Middle Township Police Department. Temporary guidelines have been established during this testing period to allow us to evaluate the use and efficiency of these cameras in the field,” he noted.
Each department will have two officers per shift wearing the cameras on a rotating basis.
After the trial period, both departments stated that they will make a determination whether to seek a capital request from their governing body to outfit each officer with a body camera.
“Body cameras have been shown to decrease both use of force complaints as well as citizen complaints against officers in the field,” Mastriana stated.
“The goal of this pilot program is to determine which body camera system produces the best video and audio, is easiest to use and holds up best,” he continued. He added “This technology is going to help improve our services to the community and will impact in a positive way, the way we do our jobs.”
“We are always looking to invest in technology and provide tools to our officers to help them better do their jobs,” Leusner stated. “We have had cameras in our patrol cars since 2007 and the benefits have been substantial. I hope body cameras will prove to yield similar results.”
Middle Township Mayor Timothy Donohue stated, “We are committed to providing the best tools and training to our officers in order to keep them and our residents protected. There are pros and cons to body cameras. This pilot program will allow us to evaluate the practical application of these cameras and the pitfalls and challenges they may present.”
According to the Taser website, its Axon body camera costs $399.
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