Body Cam Program To Be Implemented By Southampton Town Police

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Southampton Town Police are set to implement a body cam program.

According to the Southampton Town board, town officials and the Southampton Town Patrolman's Benevolent Association — the bargaining unit for the non-administrative portion of the police department — have come to an agreement.

Body cams are used to document police interactions with the public, protecting both "by accurately capturing the events surrounding these interactions," the town said in a release.

According to town officials, during a mandated police reform task force directive and state review by the Community Law Enforcement Review Committee last year — a measure implemented by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo to ensure better communication between police and communities after the death of George Floyd — the use of body cams was recommended. The town's anti-bias task force has also led the cry for body cams for years.

Next steps include the review by police of various systems, including "in the field" trials of several "body worn camera" or BWC products, to explore the best fit, officials said. Once the final style is chosen, police will roll out the new program, with all uniformed police officers fitted with a body cam while out on patrol.

“This is yet another step in progressive 21st century policing and exemplifies our desire to work with and foster the best relations with the communities we serve," said Southampton Town Police Chief Steven Skrynecki had this to say about the program. "The BWC program will provide a transparent window to a myriad of police activities, while capturing valuable evidence associated with criminal activity."

PBA president Erik Breitwieser added: "Body worn cameras not only enhance the transparency and protection of PBA members, they also reaffirm our commitment to the communities we serve."

“The use of body worn-cameras will soon be a part of every day policing in Southampton Town,” said Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman. “These cameras will provide transparency for our citizens and safety for our officers on patrol. PBA President Erik Breitwieser and I have worked for many months to come to terms with an agreement that protects taxpayers, community members and police officers.”

Councilman John Bouvier, town board liaison to the Town of Southampton's anti-bias task force, thanked all involved for shepherding the ABTF's long-held vision to reality.

James Banks, chair of the Town’s Anti-Bias Task Force, applauded the implementation of the BWC program.

“This affirmative and responsive action clearly demonstrates the cooperative alliance between the Southampton town board, the Southampton Town PBA, the Southampton anti-bias task force, and ‘we the people’ in bringing the most up to date and effective services in law enforcement to our community. . . I am proud to announce this fruit of our labor. We sought long and hard to make this happen. It is a clear demonstration of how important it is for us citizens to involve ourselves in seeking preventative measures to keep our town safe. For me, the letters ‘U.S.’ stand for more than the United States — they also stand for ‘us’. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who were involved.”