Body Cams Being Used To Record Abuse At Southington Transfer Station

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The situation at the Southington transfer station has deteriorated to the point some employees there will now have body cameras to record any hostile actions by users there.

Southington Town Council Member Michael Del Santo reported to the full council on Sept. 11, saying the public works subcommittee met last month and opted to utilize the body cameras.

He said they won't be turned on continuously, such as they are for police officers, but they will be turned on should a confrontation with a transfer station customer arise.

Del Santo said employees will then advise the individual they are being recorded.

"If there's a situation or incident, they will turn them on so we can get a good realization of what's going on up there," Del Santo said at last week's Southington Town Council meeting. "They will make sure that they have cameras there that will serve as evidence."

This all comes as transfer station personnel are reporting abuse from customers, who are taking the transfer station regulations about what can and cannot be dumped at the 617 Old Turnpike Road, Plantsville, site.

Last month, Del Santo and Southington Director of Public Works/Town Engineer Annette S. Turnquist reported a large increase in abuse and harassment aimed at transfer station workers.

It prompted Del Santo, at the time, to simply urge customers to "be nice" and remember the workers are just doing their jobs in line with what the regulations dictate.

At last month's council meeting, Del Santo said improper disposal of items costs the town money in the long run as the waste hauler has to pick out incorrect items dumped in incorrect bins.

Last week, Del Santo reiterated his earlier call for folks to, simply, be respectful to town transfer station workers.

He said they continue to be treated rudely and unprofessionally.

"I just want to remind everyone to be respectful when they go to the transfer station. Those are people who are working," Del Santo said.

From Aug. 21: 'Hostile Abuse Directed At Southington Transfer Station Staff: Town'