ROCHESTER — Rochester Police will now be required to wear body cameras according to the new police union contract, which was approved by the Select Board Monday, Feb. 24.

Set to go into effect July 1, Town Administrator Cam Durant said this policy will have a "positive effect on the cost of professional liability insurance for [the officers].’”

As part of the contract, the union will have a non-binding agreement that officers will wear the body cameras in exchange for an increase in the detail rate, Durant said.

Police Chief Michael Assad said officers have “already been wearing their body cams because they know how important it is, and I know it’s a good thing.”

He added that he will post more information on social media about the officers using body cameras to inform residents on what to expect.

“I’ll put something out about their body cams and exactly what they are and how they operate,” he said. “I’ll make sure it’s transparent because that’s what we’re all about here.”

The Rochester Police Department first piloted its body camera program in 2023 in a 30-day trial period.

The Select Board also voted unanimously in favor of the assistant town accountant, fire chief and town planner contracts.