Suffolk Police Department Awarded Over $40K For Body-Cam Program

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY - The Suffolk County Police Department was recently awarded over $40,000 to expand its body-worn camera program.

Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood announced last week that her office has awarded over $1 million to 13 local law enforcement agencies across New York State to purchase a total of 959 body-worn cameras, 258 body-worn camera systems (which include cameras and other components, such as storage and/or accessories), and numerous body-worn camera accessories, such as docking stations and mount clips.

"Body-worn cameras help ensure increased accountability and transparency during law enforcement interactions," Underwood said. "Yet too often, local police departments don’t have the resources to buy them. By using funds recovered from our organized crime busts, we’re now able to equip local police departments across the state with body cameras — benefitting all New Yorkers as we work to ensure safe and fair communities."

Suffolk Police will receive $44,085 to buy 24 body-worn camera systems and three body-worn camera docking stations.

The cameras will be used during special events where significant interaction with the community is likely.

"The men and women of the Suffolk County Police Department put their lives on the line every day to protect our residents," Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said. "I thank New York State Attorney General Underwood for providing funding to the Department that will enable the purchase of additional body cameras to protect our officers, ensure accountability, and build upon the public trust."

In addition to funds provided through the program, local law-enforcement agencies applying for the grant are responsible for securing a 25 percent funding match.

The match helps increase the scope of the overall body-worn camera program.

"This latest initiative led by the Attorney General’s office not only provides another tool to keeping our officers safe, but adds another level of transparency and trust with our communities," Suffolk Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said.

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