Police Equipped With Updated Body Cameras In Washington Township

LONG VALLEY, NJ — The introduction of body-worn cameras was announced earlier this spring by the Washington Township Police Department.

L3 Mobile Vision body-worn cameras are now being worn by police officers throughout Washington Township, and they will function in concert with their existing in-car video systems.

“The body-worn camera system and the recordings have become a valuable tool to law enforcement for evidential and investigative purposes," Almer said.

According to Washington Township Police Chief Jeffrey Almer, the cameras will be worn on the front of their uniforms on the upper chest area, facing forward.

The camera system was funded in part by a state grant, however, the required continuous use and maintenance expenditures, including future replacement costs, will be included in the department's annual budget, Almer said.

Along with aiding law enforcement, body cameras also "hold officers to a higher standard that is expected of them by the department and public, promotes transparency, and in addition, protects officers from false claims of misconduct as well as other accusations made against them,” Almer said.

According to Almer, the usage of body-worn cameras will follow the parameters set forth by the New Jersey Attorney General as well as the Morris County Prosecutor's Office.

“We are looking forward to using them to memorialize the ongoing good work that our officers do on a daily basis," Almer said.