By Benjamin Kail
masslive.com
BOSTON — Every Massachusetts State Police trooper have now been assigned body cameras and 800 cruisers, with 200 more to go, have been outfitted with mounted cameras — marking the completion of a reform program that began in 2018.
All told, about 2,215 state police personnel across every division have been assigned body-worn cameras, Massachusetts State Police said in a statement Thursday afternoon.
“Our camera program assists in accurate documentation of Troopers’ interactions with suspects, victims, and members of the public,” Col. Christopher Mason, the state police superintendent, said in a statement. “This is essential to capturing evidence for criminal cases as well as memorializing the nature of interactions between troopers and the public. Body camera video also provides a valuable training tool for recruits and existing officers.”
State police described the camera systems as “an integral part of the slate of initiatives” undertaken under the Baker-Politio administration “to enhance accountability, operational capabilities and community outreach.”
Previously, state police implemented a host of other measures, including installing GPS technology in vehicles; constructing the Homeland Security Operations Center; conducting routine payroll audits; using enhanced technology in recruiting; establishing a Community Liaison Team; and bolstering training on fair and impartial policing and active bystanders.
State police rolled out the training for the body camera program earlier this year. Troop F, in East Boston near Logan International Airport, was the first state police section to wear the cameras after training.
[NEXT: How to buy body-worn cameras (eBook)]
©2021 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit masslive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.