MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN) – The Mt. Juliet Police Department is joining the many departments in Middle Tennessee by putting body cameras on officers.
The department announced Monday that they reached a contract with Utility Associates, Inc. to replace all dash cameras in patrol cars, equip officers with body cameras, and create a digital evidence management system.
According to MJPD, the body cameras are the most advanced police body cams available and include capabilities like:
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streaming “real-time” live video to dispatchers and field supervisors;
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remotely activating based on the device’s location to an active incident;
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detecting, activating, and sending alerts when the officer is in a physical struggle, running, or is down;
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detecting, activating, and sending alerts when a firearm is discharged;
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integrated inside the officer’s uniform to ensure maximum security and prevent it from being knocked off; and
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capable of receiving alerts and Be-On-The-Lookout photos from dispatch
Police Chief James Hambrick released a statement.
Body-worn cameras are an effective law enforcement tool that will reinforce our department’s professionalism and transparency. We have had patrol unit mounted cameras for quite some time, but body-worn cameras will provide an additional perspective- going exactly where the officer goes. These devices will improve community relations, lower the number of citizen complaints, defend officers against false accusations, increase agency accountability, and improve officer training and evaluations,” stated Chief Hambrick. “I’m grateful for the support from our elected officials on this important project and all the research from City Hall’s Information Technology staff, including our staff, in selecting the best system for our department.”
The department said four officers and patrol units will initially have the new system and they plan to have all officers and patrol cars equipped by March 2019 if the system performs correctly.
The department selected cameras after the city approved funding back in July 2018 for the department’s fiscal-year budget. The five-year contract for the system totaled $540,600.
Source: WKRN