The exeter police department does not have body-worn cameras

Across the nation, there is a drastic need for police officers to have such cameras to promote increased accountability and transparency to the communities they serve while officiating their duties. More than ever, body-worn cameras have proven to be an invaluable asset to both the police that utilize them and the public they devotedly serve. A $232,000 grant would fund equipment purchases and installation, software licenses, access to secure data storage, and around-the-clock technical support. All of which are necessary for an effective, respectful, and transparent body-worn camera program. No funds are available to the exeter police department to implement a body-worn camera program, so IT's asking for assistance. A request of $232,000 from the exeter general budget would create a devastating tax burden that the town would likely be unable to support since they are a small new england town of 16,000 people. The town of exeter's police department expects this program to support both the officers and residents of exeter in a meaningful and transparent way. They will create program policies and procedures which support, educate, and train all officers and staff utilizing body-worn cameras.