Salem State Police Officers Don Body Cameras

SALEM, MA — Salem State University police officers this week became the second public university force in the state to equip all sworn officers with body-worn cameras.

Salem State officers are now required to wear the cameras at all times when on duty.

"It's the right thing to do to enhance transparency and accountability, and we’re excited to have gotten this project off the ground," SSU Police Chief Gene Labonte said.

Labonte said the cameras will act to deter or document any inappropriate behavior as well as help capture evidence in criminal, civil and traffic cases, and be helpful in training.

He added that the hope is knowing officers are wearing cameras will help improve community relations between students, staff and officers.

"I'm grateful to our officers for their collaboration as we take this positive and proactive step," Labonte said.

Salem Police Department officers also began wearing body cameras last month.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)