RACHEL RAVINA/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
Berlin Police Chief Arnold Downing, left, explains a proposed body camera program during a Town Council meeting Monday evening.

By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer

(June 27, 2019) The Berlin Police Department officers will add a new accessory to their uniforms following the Town Council’s unanimous approval Monday of a new body camera policy.

“We feel the policy is ready to go ahead and move forward,” said Chief Arnold Downing.

Police aim to use these body cameras to document audio and visual evidence, as well as recording interactions between officers and community members, according to the policy.

Town Administrator Laura Allen said the program costs $36,751.50, which will be spread out over the course of five years. She added the town received a $5,000 grant from the Local Government Insurance Trust.

Officers working in patrol units are required to wear body cameras while on duty, according to the policy. In addition, policy says officers should check the camera lens because each use, log each recording, upload those recordings, and charge the camera for the next shift.

The cameras would be used for several purpose, including traffic stops, arrests and transports as well as vehicle and foot pursuits, according to the policy.

Officers also need to notify members of the public they are being recorded during calls for service.

“If they know they’re going to a call or service, they should be turned on,” Downing said.

While all recordings will be kept for at least 30 days, any used in criminal investigations can be kept for at least one year, according to the policy.

The body camera program was previously approved in January, according to Downing.

Councilman Zack Tyndall moved to approve Downing’s request for the body camera program, which passed with a 4-0 vote from the Town Council.

Councilman Dean Burrell was absent from Monday’s meeting.

This article was updated to reflect the policy was approved during Monday’s meeting.