Starting December 4, 2023 Medford Police Officers will be wearing body-worn cameras
MEDFORD – The Medford Police Department will be implementing their new body-worn camera program for all sworn officers this month.
Body-worn cameras are crucial in modern policing, enhancing accountability and trust between police and communities. They accurately document interactions, improve community relations, strengthen public trust, reduce complaints, defend officers from false accusations, and enhance training and evaluation.
“The launch of our new Body Worn Camera Program marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and strengthen the trust between our officers and the community we serve.” said Chief Jack Buckley.
As part of the initial rollout on December 4, 2023, a group of 33 officers will wear the device, including seven supervisors. The remainder of the department will be equipped with cameras the first week in January 2024. The initial trial period will be focused on educating officers on camera usage, identifying glitches and concerns, and working to familiarize officers with the protocols around body cameras. As part of this new program, Medford Police officers will be required by department policy to wear the body-worn camera at all times during their patrol shifts, as well as on detail assignments. Department policy dictates that officers activate the camera during specific police interactions while keeping in consideration that on certain calls for service an expectation of privacy exists.
The recommended policy was drafted by a team of Medford Police Department members with review and guidance from the Medford Police Patrolmen’s Association, Medford Police Superior Officer’s Association, Mayor’s Office, as well as the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. The policy has been shared and discussed with numerous entities with a high level of detail. Officers have developed a solid understanding of what is expected of them through training by the Body-Worn Camera unit, and manufacturer, Motorola Watchguard.
The department has a dedicated server to collect and store video data from body-worn cameras. The department plans to regularly review and update body-worn camera policies to align with identified local and national best practices.