Body Cameras For Portsmouth Police: 30 Day Trial

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Starting Saturday, the Portsmouth Police Department begins a 30-day trial of wearing body cameras.

"The goal of the implementation of the body cameras by the Portsmouth Police Department is to enhance community relations by building trust and forging transparency," said Lieutenant Michael Arnold.

These cameras will record video and audio of police officers' interactions with people. Police said not all officers will have the cameras.

"During this period a limited number of cameras have been issued to officers. The officers utilizing the body cameras have received extensive training and will be informing people that they are being recorded," Police said.

If someone doesn't want to be recorded, Arnold said the police officer will use his or her judgment on whether to continue recording depending on the situation and if it could be used as evidence. Conversations with witnesses who request to remain anonymous will not be recorded.

Officers wearing the body cameras will return to will put the cameras into a dock after each shift. Police said when docked, the recording will be stored and time stamped in a secure server.