Boston Police To Launch 6-Month Body Camera Program
BOSTON (CBS) – Mayor Marty Walsh and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans announced Tuesday the city has come to an agreement with the patrolmen's association to launch a six-month body camera program.
Following the agreement with the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association, up to 100 patrol officers will wear body cameras.
"In Boston, we are fortunate to have strong relationships with our communities and I'm confident that body cameras will serve as another tool for the Boston Police Department to continue their work in the neighborhoods," Walsh said. "I look forward to working with the Boston Police Department as they learn best practices through this pilot program and I thank Commissioner Evans and BPPA for their cooperation on reaching this agreement."
Earlier in the day Boston city councilor Andrea Campbell told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens she was disappointed the program had not yet begun.
Leading up to the agreement, city officials received input from police departments around the country, the Boston Police Department Social Justice Task Force, the Harvard Law Criminal Justice Program, and community members.
"This is a positive development that brings the Boston Police Department even closer to implementing this important pilot program in the city," Commissioner Evans said. "We are committed to building on the trust we have earned with our constituents while keeping our community safe."
A start date for the program and other specific details are still being finalized.