Chief Matthew Perkins reports that the Lakeville Police Department has implemented a body-worn camera program to enhance the department’s accountability in the community.
The Lakeville Police Department received $40,000 in funding from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program administered by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research to purchase body-worn cameras.
With the use of grant funds, the department purchased a total of 22 Motorola WatchGuard Body Cameras and video/evidence management software.
According to a December 2021 survey from the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, only 10% of police departments in the Commonwealth have a body-worn camera program.
“Our department has maintained several body-worn cameras since 2015 for use by a few designated officers, but now after receiving the grant award, we are capable of issuing cameras to all officers,” said Chief Perkins.
All Lakeville Police officers have received training on how the devices operate and function. The cameras will assist in the accurate documentation of officers’ interactions to increase transparency, promote de-escalation, resolve citizen complaints, and provide a valuable training tool.
“Our department has a robust police-community relationship. The goal with this program is to continue building trust and positive relationships between our officers and the community we serve,” Chief Perkins said.
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