Carteret, NJ – Mayor Dan Reiman was joined by Councilman Skippy Sitarz, Police Commissioner, in announcing that the Carteret Police Department (CPD) has implemented a body camera pilot program. A $13,000 Public Safety Grant has been issued from the Carteret Business Partnership, Inc. (CBP) towards the program.
Carteret is one of the first municipalities in Middlesex County to implement the use of body cameras. The pilot program, assigned to a limited number of officers, is expected to expand throughout the police force by next year. The CPD is anticipating an additional grant through New Jersey’s Body Camera Assistance Program.
“The use of these cameras will significantly benefit both the community and our officers,” said Mayor Reiman. “Body cameras will build upon efforts to mend the fabric of trust and respect between the members of the community and the police officers.”
Digital Ally First Vu HD cameras are able to capture, monitor, and store high-quality video evidence in a cost-effective and flexible manner. The camera is built with 720p resolution and a 130 degree angle field, capable of recording real-time incidents between officers and civilians. A built-in microphone is to ensure enhanced audio is captured as evidence; the body camera can store up to 16 hours of HD video.
“The men and women of the Carteret Police Department work tirelessly to keep Carteret a safe place to call home, and for that, we are tremendously grateful,” added Sitarz. “It is our privilege to be able to equip them with the most effective tools to ‘serve and protect’ the community.”
Body cameras will be located in the center of an officers’ shirt or vest. All CPD patrol vehicles are equipped with Mobile Video Recorders (MVR) or dashboard cameras. The in-car dashboard and body cameras promote public safety and many other positive attributes such as:
- Officer Safety
- Professionalism and performance
- Training
- Homeland Security
- Enhanced evidence collection
- Reduction of citizen complaints
