47 County Officers To Get Body Cameras Thanks To Pilot Program

Several officers within the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Police Services will be equipped with body cameras as part of a new pilot program, officials announced Wednesday.

The pilot program will provide 47 body cameras to the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Police Services at a cost of $70,000, politickernj.com said.

The program will be funded by forfeiture funds with help from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and federal grants. It will not cost the taxpayers anything.

“We believe these cameras are a tool that will be effective in protecting both law enforcement and members of the public in a manner that best serves the people of Bergen County,” County Executive Jim Tedesco told NJ.com.

Several police departments in New Jersey, including Morristown, have equipped officers with body cameras.

“We have an opportunity to improve law enforcement right here in Bergen County, as well as strengthen community relations and officer safety.” — Michael Saudino, Bergen County sheriff

Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino and Tedesco jointly announced the new pilot program Wednesday. It is designed to eliminate civil disturbances and improve relations between law enforcement officers and the public.

“It is apparent to me and to the leadership of this county that 21st century law enforcement cannot sit by and only be reactive to events as they occur,” said Saudino. “We have an opportunity to improve law enforcement right here in Bergen County, as well as strengthen community relations and officer safety.”