The Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association agreed last month to the voluntary, six-month body camera pilot program, with 100 volunteer patrol officer participation to start.
Advertisement
“Now, we’re going to move forward, and we hope to get on board with the body cameras”, he said.
“Lawrence will now be among the very few IN cities to implement this technology for its officers and our citizens with the goal of maintaining and strengthening public trust IN the Lawrence Police Department”, Collier said. But with the September 1, 2016, rollout date for the pilot program approaching, not a single officer had volunteered to wear one. Officers will receive $500 for completing the program.
Evans also addressed the possibility of a legal challenge from unions in the near future.
“They’ll probably challenge us”, he said, “but that’s what the union does, they look out for their membership”.
The officers will be randomly chosen.
Matthew Segal, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of MA, said he hopes Boston officers will volunteer to wear the cameras. “This issue of body cameras should not be used as a political carrot in their efforts to renegotiate their contract”. “In the police department we need some courageous officers who are not afraid of more transparency and accountability”.
Ellison said he’s struggled with his stance because body cameras are so widely supported in minority neighborhoods. “But police agencies nationwide are all resistant to change and I think that’s what’s happening here”. “I think if they engage in the practice. they’ll realize the benefit to it”.
Advertisement
Bonnie McGilpin, a spokesman for Mayor Martin J. Walsh, said in a statement that the mayor “has continuously said that he will work closely with Commissioner Evans to ensure that the body-camera pilot program is implemented fairly and equitably”.
