Evesham Twp (NJ) Cops Will Start Wearing Bodycams

Hopefully, the cameras won't "malfunction" at critical moments.

Evesham police unveil 'body cameras' worn by officers

By Jason Laday | South Jersey Times
on July 18, 2014 at 4:10 PM, updated July 18, 2014 at 4:36 PM

EVESHAM TWP. — In addition to using dashboard cameras in their vehicles, patrol officers in Evesham will now be outfitted with "body cameras" worn on the front of their uniform.

Unveiling the new technology during a press conference, police Chief Christopher Chew said the cameras will help curb frivolous lawsuits filed against the department, as well as instances of unnecessary use of force by officers.

"Before these cameras, if it wasn't a motor vehicle stop, we would have nothing concrete to prove what had happened," said Chew, himself wearing the small, hard-plastic camera in its holster located in the middle of his chest. "We wanted something that was small and wouldn't burden the officer. It's also wireless. At the beginning of each patrol shift, the officers put it on, and then turn it on when interacting with the public, or during a call."

[link to www.nj.com]