Rochester Police Department starts body camera program

ROCHESTER— Residents of Rochester may start to notice officers sporting body cameras as part of their newly implemented Body-Worn Camera Program. 

The department announced its newest technology in a Facebook post on Thursday, Jan. 5.

According to the post, “members of the department will be using the upcoming weeks to familiarize themselves with these devices and to better understand the role they play for Law Enforcement.”

Police Chief Robert Small said that the department plans to test out the program for 30 days and reevaluate based on their experience.

The cameras “will offer a new level of transparency,” said Police Chief Robert Small.

According to Small, the cameras and equipment including chargers and attachments cost approximately $45,000. 

The project “was completely paid for by a state grant,” he said. 

According to Small, the department applied for the grant in February of last year. 

Previously, in 2021 the department received $31,701 as part of the $4 million state grant program for body-worn cameras from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

“The members of our community should be aware that all Law Enforcement interactions with the public will be audio and video recorded, per our department policy,” read the Rochester Police Department in the Facebook Post.