Town Council Meeting3/15/2021: Police Body Cameras. The LPD Chief had hoped to bring a warrant article forward, but the timing was off. The department has received quotes from vendors multiple vendors. The Chief is requesting council support to pursue the effort to implement body camera. The cost from the recommended vendor Body Worn is $496,000 over 5 years. The funds would come from surplus budget from the LDD.
There are an average of 10 complaints per year against the LDP.
Councilor Green believes this is a safety issue to protect LDP officers. Councilor Butler asked how the ‘boots on the ground’ feel about cameras. The chief said the union has had a ‘measured acceptance’ a committee has been formed at LPD to review implementation of cameras.
Resident Jake Butler spoke of a recent event concerning a wrong way driver and the need for body cameras to record the professional behavior of LDP officers.
Councilor Farrell questioned the ongoing maintenance cost, The initial cost covers all maintenance and upgrades for 5 years.
LPD would acquire 50 cameras.
The council voted 5-0 to approve equipping LDP with body cameras from Body Worn