Starting next year, all seven police departments within Salem County will start using the mobile, body-warn cameras to improve transparency and protect police officers and the public, Prosecutor John T. Lenahan said Friday.
SALEM -- As police departments throughout the state, and country, continue to implement body cameras for officers on duty, Salem County police departments are jumping on board.
Starting next year, all seven police departments within Salem County will start using the mobile, body-worn cameras to improve transparency and protect police officers and the public, Prosecutor John T. Lenahan said Friday.
Through forfeiture funds and grants, the Salem County Prosecutor's Office successfully purchased 25 body cameras and dispersed them to all departments in the county.
The cameras worth $895 a piece totaled $22,375, according to Lenahan.
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"We want everyone on the same page. The whole goal is to increase transparency and decrease 'my word versus your word,'" the prosecutor said.
County officials are hopeful in obtaining an additional 36 cameras through more grant funding in the near future.
While the police departments are now in possession of the cameras, they have not begun to utilize them yet.
The target date to start using the cameras is Jan. 1, according to Lenahan.
"We are trying to make sure we have uniformity. From my perspective, it protects police officers from false allegations and the public from bad police work. The time has come for these," the prosecutor said.
The seven police departments in Salem County include Pennsville, Carneys Point, Penns Grove, Elmer, Salem City, Woodstown, and Lower Alloways Creek, which also patrols Elsinboro.
Other municipalities are covered by New Jersey State Police.
All police departments will follow the New Jersey Attorney General Guidelines, which covers everything of when cameras are to be warn, when the cameras are to record, as well as the policy for a court requests as evidence.
"I support the use of the body cameras, along with other chiefs in our county and the prosecutor. It's going to help protect officers from legal issues, and help us prosecute cases," Pennsville Township Police Department Chief Allen J. Cummings said.
The police chief continued that with body cameras being added to dashboard-mounted cameras, and microphones, there will be a heightened awareness and safety.
"I feel that it's a tool that is needed, especially the way the country is now. Police are being watched and with these cameras, it's just going to be more deterrent because people will know we have them," Cummings said.
Police departments throughout the state have taken the same steps.
Pitman Police Department joined the trend just last month and New Jersey State Police officers have been preparing to utilize the cameras.
About 1,000 New Jersey State Police officers will be using the devices next year.
Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.