City police have started deploying body-worn cameras for all uniformed patrol officers that will record both audio and video, it was announced on Oct. 14, 2016.
LAMBERTVILLE - City police have started deploying body-worn cameras for all uniformed patrol officers that will record both audio and video, it was announced on Friday.
"The cameras will benefit police officers and the public by providing an unbiased and irrefutable record of police-public contacts," Police Director Bruce Cocuzza said. "They will allow for much greater objectivity whenever it becomes necessary to address any concerns or questions that sometimes arise as the result of police activity.
"The department has deployed in-car cameras for about 20 years and they have clearly proven to be an invaluable tool."
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The cameras will be activated on all motor-vehicle stops, arrests, accidents, routine service calls and criminal investigations, according to the department. Use of the cameras is strictly governed by both New Jersey State Attorney General and Lambertville Police Department guidelines and policies.
Mayor David M. DelVecchio said he was "extremely pleased that officers will now be utilizing body worn cameras because they will enhance police-community relations by providing increased transparency with respect to police operations."
The cameras and associated equipment were partially-funded through the New Jersey State Body Worn Camera Assistance Program utilizing state forfeiture funds. The U.S. Department of Justice also recently announced that federal funds were available to purchase the cameras.