All officers in the Cherry Hill Police Department are now wearing the cameras. The program was officially launched on Nov. 3.
The Cherry Hill Police Department has officially launched its body-worn camera program, according to Cherry Hill Police Chief William Monaghan.
All officers in the Cherry Hill Police Department are now wearing the body-worn cameras. The police department’s launch of the program took place on Nov. 3.
The program, funded largely by state and federal grant money, has been in development for the last two years. The department took part in an extensive field testing and evaluation program on various models of the body cameras, and a contract was awarded in August for the Taser Axon 2 model, which integrates seamlessly with existing police data-management software.
“The Cherry Hill Police Department is committed to providing the best possible service and protection to the Cherry Hill community, and these cameras are a natural step forward in the evolution of our department,” Monaghan said. “We strongly believe this new tool will improve public safety by enhancing transparency and accountability, which benefits both our officers, and members of the public.”
In early September, the police department held a community meeting to prep residents for the rollout of the body-worn cameras. Monaghan and a representative from Taser International spoke about the cameras and answered questions about what the department’s policy would be moving forward.
According to police officials, the cameras have been provided to each sworn officer within the department, and will be worn at the center of the officer’s chest, on his or her outermost layer of clothing.
The recordings will provide an objective account of police and citizen contacts, which provides protection for the public, as well as the officer. The cameras have the potential to reduce frivolous complaints and litigation, and provide for efficient prosecution of criminal cases. The department will continue to equip the patrol fleet with its existing in-car camera system, which has been in operation since 2004.
“With the advent of this program, the Cherry Hill Police Department has demonstrated a clear commitment to public safety, to transparency, and to a true spirit of partnership within our community,” said Mayor Chuck Cahn. “Ultimately, these cameras will enhance the community-police relationship, and enable our men and women in uniform to continue to deliver the highest level of public safety to all.”
