Princeton University Police To Wear Body Cameras: Report

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton University Police officers will soon begin wearing body cameras in compliance with state law, according to the Daily Princetonian.

The university’s Department of Public Safety told the Daily Princetonian that only sworn police officers will wear the body camera as compared to non-sworn security officers, who are tasked with general building security.

Camera testing will begin in April and a full roll out will happen in May, before commencement. When contacted, Princeton University referred Patch to the Daily Princetonian article.

Sworn police officers at the university possess powers similar to officers anywhere in New Jersey. According to the university's public safety website, the officers are required to complete the "same police academies and annual training as their municipal counterparts."

They work closely with the Princeton Police Department, the West Windsor Police Department and the Plainsboro Police Department

In November last year, Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation mandating all New Jersey law enforcement officers wear body cameras.

According to the law signed by Murphy, every uniformed state, county, and municipal patrol law enforcement officer will need to wear a body camera.

Read More Here: Gov. Murphy Signs Body Camera Mandates For All NJ Police Into Law

Officers are required to keep cameras activated when responding to calls for service or initiating a law enforcement or investigative encounter.

Murphy said body cameras were a “wise all-around investment in public safety,” important for “transparency,” “accountability” and "also ensure that members of law enforcement are equipped with an important tool to help them carry out their sworn duties.”

Princeton University told Patch there are currently 2,800 undergrads living on campus this semester.

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