Somerset Police Department launches body-worn camera program

SOMERSET — Chief Todd Costa is pleased to announce that the Somerset Police Department has launched a body-worn camera program to enhance transparency and accountability within the department.

The program took effect Thursday, Oct. 14, with body-worn cameras issued to Somerset patrol officers, front-line supervisors and detectives for use in the field.

In accordance with the department’s newly adopted body-worn camera policy, all officers are required to activate cameras during dispatched calls for service with the public, motor vehicle stops, investigatory stops and pursuit driving. Officers also are required to activate cameras during any situation that they believe may become adversarial.

The Somerset Police Department’s body-worn camera program is one of the first of its kind in Bristol County.

“Body-worn cameras are an effective tool that we anticipate will help the department demonstrate a commitment to transparency, ensure officer accountability, increase community trust and protect officers from unjustified complaints of misconduct,” Chief Costa said. “Our officer’s willingness to embrace this new program demonstrates their professionalism and commitment to serving the community, and we are proud to be spearheading this new initiative in Bristol County.”

The department has a dedicated server to collect and store video data from body-worn cameras. The department plans to regularly review and update body-worn camera policies to align with identified local and national best practices.

Funding for the body-worn camera program was provided by a $27,014 grant from the Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program administered by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research.

The grant was part of $7.8 million in funding that the Baker-Polito Administration allocated last year to provide access to equipment and strengthen training, crime prevention and enforcement initiatives across the Commonwealth. The JAG program provided $4.6 million to fund needs such as protective equipment and communications infrastructure.

The department thanks Capt. William Tedford for applying for and obtaining the grant.