Some Fall River Police begin wearing body cameras

Some Fall River police officers have begun wearing body cameras.

According to FRPD, this morning, the first group of officers assigned to the Special Operations Division hit the streets wearing Body Worn Cameras for the first time.

Photo courtesy of Fall River Police

Mayor Paul Coogan was at roll call to see the equipment first hand as officers were briefed prior to their shift. These officers are currently handling calls for service and interacting with the public while wearing the new equipment.

According to Captain Barden Castro, currently there are 7 officers and 1 sergeant enrolled in the pilot program with an eventual goal of a department wide roll-out.

In the Police Department budget for fiscal 2023, a body camera officer was listed in addition to a 5-year grant that will help pay for the cameras and maintenance.

The beginning of the pilot program comes after the City negotiated with the Police Union.

In April, representatives from Axon were at the Fall River Police station providing hands-on training in the use of body worn cameras to officers assigned to the Special Operations Division.

In December, the Baker-Polito Administration awarded more than $4 million in state grant funds to 64 municipalities across the Commonwealth to provide departments with resources to start or expand Body-Worn Camera programs. The Fall River Police Department received $201,324.20.