Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Body cameras are now rolling on the streets of Cambridge.
After years of planning, the police department has started phasing in officer-worn body cameras with officer training underway.
According to the department's policy posted on its website, the cameras are to be activated during all calls with civilians and “self-initiated contacts of a law enforcement nature.”
The body camera roll-out comes two years after the fatal shooting of a knife-wielding 20-year-old college student who was experiencing a mental health crisis.
Some residents have shown support for the body camera program.
"That incident did shake the community and rest in peace to that young man," said Amanda. "I honestly think that footage would have helped them [the police department] a little bit.”
"It's 100 percent a good idea," he said Jonathan, who admitted to having numerous interactions with law enforcement.
"People that are being arrested by police can hold the police accountable for any mis-actions,” he added.
The officer-worn cameras in Cambridge are being phased in gradually with all sworn officers, including command staff, supervisors, detectives, and patrol officers being required to wear the equipment by early April.
WBZ NewsRadio James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.