BOSTON — Massachusetts State Police are now being trained on using body worn cameras. And according to Boston 25 security expert Dan Linskey, it’s a move that protects law enforcement and the public.
“It’s going to be helpful for the troopers doing enforcement throughout the Commonwealth,” said Linskey.
The State Police say it’s the next step in their evolution of officer safety and accountability.
That’s something something the ACLU appreciates.
“Used correctly and with policies in place, body worn cameras can actually help to advance civil rights,” said Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU in Massachusetts.
The Superintendent of the State Police said in a statement:
“The camera system will provide valuable digital evidence in our mission to hold perpetrators accountable and will record interactions between officers and the public.” -Colonel Christopher S. Mason, Superintendent
The camera being used is the Motorola Watchguard V-300. Troop F has about 150 troopers. They provide policing and security for all Massport facilities and properties.
Body cameras act as a third set of eyes, according to Boston 25 security expert Dan Linskey, who also says they can actually diffuse situations as they saw with in-car cameras in Boston.
“We saw the confrontations between drivers and officers doing enforcement go down dramatically because the officer would say, ‘I just want to let you know you are being video and audio recorded,’” said Linskey.
After Troop F is trained, troopers in five other geographic areas across the state and the Special Operations Unit, among others, will be trained with body cameras.
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