STCC BWC Implementation Program

The STCC BWC Implementation Program requests $39,983 in funding to purchase 20 body-worn cameras (BWC) for the Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Campus Police Department. With the funding from this program and the assistance of the BJA and the TTA provider, STCC will purchase the equipment, craft policies and procedures surrounding the utilization of equipment, how and when footage will be shared with requesting departments, on or off Campus. Leveraging community partnerships with the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office, Springfield Police Department, and Massachusetts State Police, STCC Campus Police will ensure they are in full compliance with state and federal regulations. Through cross-campus partnerships, STCC Campus Police will work to ensure that policies and procedures reflect the College’s commitment to the safety of students, faculty, staff, and officers through equity and inclusive practices. The implementation goals of this program are:

Reduction in transferred cases of 20% from 12-15 annually to 9-12.
Footage available for access or transfer to partner agencies by end of Grant Year 1
Achieve 100% compliance of BWCs worn while on active field duty by all STCC Campus Police.
STCC Campus Police, as a part of the MOU with Community Partners, will commit to having footage available for access or transfer within 72 hours of the incident.

 
STCC is situated in the heart of Springfield, MA, a minority-majority city with a diverse population that suffers from high poverty levels and unemployment rates. STCC provides affordable access to classes and programs that have a transformative effect on the community. And while the STCC Campus Police are well respected by students, faculty and the community at-large, the College views the implementation of a BWC program as a progressive measure to reduce potentially negative interactions, heighten security and safety measures, and promote the integrity of cases that necessitate referral to off campus agencies.