NARRAGANSETT — Chief Sean Corrigan is pleased to announce that the Narragansett Police Department is launching its body-worn camera program.
Officers have been piloting the body-worn cameras since March. Full deployment of the program begins today, June 1.
Thirty-one frontline patrol officers and supervisors have been outfitted with body-worn cameras, which are embedded in their uniform to prevent them from detaching, and have received training on how the devices operate and function.
Those officers are now required by department policy to wear a body-worn camera at all times during their shift. Policy dictates that they activate the camera during all interactions with the public that are a result of a call for service, or any investigative or enforcement activity. Officers will keep in consideration the expectation of privacy when activating the body-worn camera in certain areas, such as private residences or hospitals.
The department’s full Body-Worn Camera Policy, including expectations regarding activation and deactivation, retention and access to BWC recordings, is available online here.
Prior to the launch of the program, the department completed research into policy and best practices, vetted vendors, negotiated with the police union, worked with the selected vendor to tailor the system for the department’s needs, and developed formal policies for camera use and data storage. The department worked with law enforcement technology provider, Utility, Inc. to purchase the cameras and equipment.
The body-worn cameras are being funded through a State of Rhode Island and U.S. Department of Justice grant program.
“Body-worn camera programs are well-recognized as a modern best practice for law enforcement that advance transparency and accountability, and help to foster public trust and confidence. We look forward to implementing this program as part of our commitment to following best practices and professional standards,” Chief Corrigan said.
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