Falls Twp. OKs Purchase Of Body Cameras For Police

FALLS TOWNSHIP, PA — Falls Township Supervisors approved the first-time purchase of body cameras for police on Wednesday, Feb. 23.

The purchase of the body cameras will cost $166,620 over a five-year period, with the department receiving a complete equipment refresh at the three-year mark, according to the contract with WatchGuard Video.

Police Chief Nelson Whitney said the equipment will take approximately 90 days to arrive, with the installation of the cameras to be done onsite. All police will be trained in how to properly use the cameras when on duty.

“This is technology that complements the in-car cameras,” Whitney said. “I see the main advantage of this technology being a tremendous improvement in our ability to collect and document evidence during incidents where arrests are made.”

Falls Supervisor Chairman Jeff Dence lauded the decision to supply the police department with body cameras and training.

“This is going to bring us up to the modern-day body cameras that most police departments have,” Dence said.

According to Whitney, each officer will receive his or her own camera. Footage that is uploaded to the server will be linked to that officer.

Cameras provide “an unalterable audio and visual record of interactions” which can be used as evidence in case of a crime or to record incidents between police and community members, according to the Bureau of Justice Assistance. They also help to improve interactions with police and members of the public.