Whitehall Police Working To Issue Body Cameras To Officers

WHITEHALL BOROUGH, PA — Police in Whitehall Borough could soon be outfitted with body-worn cameras thanks to a federal grant of $22,000 to be matched by the police department.

In a news release on Thursday, Whitehall police said the department is in the final approval stage to obtain the funding and hopes to have the body camera program up and running by the year's end.

Before officers are outfitted with body cameras, the department said, they'll be required to attend extensive training on using the cameras and on department policy regarding how and when the cameras are to be used.

The department said cameras are helpful in increasing accountability and transparency for both citizens and police officers during interactions.

"The new body worn cameras will integrate with our existing in-car camera system and allow us to capture video from multiple vantage points," the release states.

Police said more information about the program will become available in future months. In the meantime, questions about the program are to be directed to Chief Keith Henderson or Deputy Chief Jason Gagorik at 412-884-1100.