CRAWFORD – The Town of Crawford Police Department is the latest in the region to equip all sworn officers with body-worn cameras.
Chief Dominick Blasko said the decision was made “in response to the 2020 events that unfolded nationally.”
He said the town board and PBA requested the department gather information and the town has selected a system from Axon International.
All members will be equipped with the devices including the chief, patrol and school resource officers.
Blasko said the department has implemented comprehensive procedures on the operation and use of the cameras. “The policy is cognizant of the privacy concerns of our community members and protecting that privacy is a priority,” he said, noting officers have been trained and will adhere to a policy that protects those rights.
Body cams will “significantly enhance transparency and benefit both the community and our officers,” Blasko said. “Officers will be able to document and recount events accurately and specifically by reviewing the incidents for details rather than relying solely on memory recall.” An added benefit will also be to enhance officers’ preparation for court cases, he said.
