Somerville City Council Approves Police Body Camera Program

SOMERVILLE, MA — The City Council voted this week to approve implementing body-worn cameras for the Somerville Police Department, allowing the city to move forward with a state grant to purchase the equipment after years of discussion and planning.

The vote passed with a total of seven in favor against four opposed during a special virtual meeting Monday night to adopt the department's body-worn camera policy and accept a $231,635 grant from the Massachusetts Office of Grants and Research. The approval allows the city to meet a Monday, Aug. 31 deadline to accept the funding and begin purchasing the cameras.

The vote marks the latest step in a years-long effort to equip Somerville officers with body-worn cameras. Following the death of George Floyd in 2020 that garnered national attention, the city included body cameras as part of its 10-point plan addressing systemic racism. The City Council unanimously supported implementing the technology in 2021, and the city later reached an agreement with the Somerville Police Employees Association governing their use. Earlier this year, the Public Safety for All Task Force also recommended moving forward with the program in its final report.

Mayor Jake Wilson called Monday's special meeting earlier this month, saying the City Council needed to act before the grant funding expired while also giving residents an opportunity to comment on the proposal. The meeting included a public hearing after dozens of residents petitioned the city to hold one before a vote.

While the cameras themselves received broad support from many speakers, much of the discussion focused on the long-term cost of operating the program. The state grant will cover the initial purchase of the equipment, but city officials estimate the program will cost roughly $500,000 annually for data storage, software, personnel, and other ongoing expenses.

Supporters said the cameras will improve transparency, strengthen accountability and provide valuable evidence during police interactions. Opponents argued the city should first establish additional civilian oversight and questioned committing to the ongoing costs while Somerville continues to face budget challenges.

The approved policy outlines when officers must activate their cameras, how recordings will be stored and retained, and when footage may be accessed or released under state law. With the vote complete, the city will move forward with purchasing the equipment and preparing for implementation.

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