Police Equipped With Updated Body Cameras In Madison

MADISON, NJ — The introduction of new and improved body-worn cameras was announced this week by the Madison Borough Police Department.

The new cameras will be used to replace the current body-worn cameras, which were put in place 5 years ago. The cameras were purchased with an $85,000 body camera grant from the New Jersey Attorney General's Office, according to police.

"Wearing these BWC will provide a useful tool in strengthening the trust between our law enforcement officers and the community. It will also provide the public with full transparency and accountability," police said.

According to the police department, body cameras are proven to:

• Improve transparency among public safety
• Enhance accountability and trust
• Reduce complaints against officers
• Make prosecutions more efficient and effective

In July 2018, the Madison Police Department joined the growing list of law enforcement agencies that have police officers wear body-worn video cameras. " Our agency wants this new technology to enhance and improve our relationship with you," police said.

The updated cameras will be used in accordance with the New Jersey Attorney General's guidelines and a directive issued by the Morris County Prosecutors Office.

According to officials, the cameras will be worn on the front of their uniforms on the upper chest area, facing forward.