Boston Police Body Camera Program Not Yet Underway
BOSTON (CBS) -- Boston city councilor Andrea Campbell, chair of the committee on public safety and criminal justice, thought Boston Police would start their body camera pilot program by now.
So what's the delay?
"Right now, the issue is with the unions," says Campbell, who represents District 4. "BPD, the commissioner and his team are negotiating with the unions to finalize our policy. Once that wraps up, then we can move forward."
The department had said they would start a six-month, voluntary pilot program with about 100 cameras by July. Back in April, the department said the program could start as early as May.
"I hate wasting time, I know communities hate wasting time," said Campbell. "At the end of the day, I wish this was already unfolded...I'm hoping the negotiations wrap up sooner rather than later so we can get this pilot program started."
Three hearings were held with the public to discuss the programs.
"I think most of the residents I talked to saw it as an effective tool when it came to community policing, training, police accountability," said Campbell. "I think most people were on board, and now it's just upon us to move forward as promised with the pilot program."
Mayor Marty Walsh put aside half a million dollars for the program.
Campbell says body cameras can be a tool to improve accountability and community policing.
"I do want to highlight that we have the best police force in the country, but I think we can always be the leaders when it comes to community policing, the leaders when it comes to effective tools," said Campbell.
Boston Police Department officials told WBZ-TV Tuesday night that the body camera program has not been delayed.
Instead, police said the department is in the process of ordering the equipment and soliciting volunteers for the program.
According to Boston Police, there is no set date for when the program will begin.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports
