Body Worn Camera Project

The Alton Police Department proposes to implement the Alton NH Police Body Worn Camera Project.  The purpose of this project is to procure and deploy body worn cameras on police officers to generate objective recordings of police interactions with the public, thereby promoting transparency, accountability, and community trust of the department.  Project activities include the purchase of state-of-the-art body worn cameras with high-definition recording and GPS tracking capabilities, to include integrated accessories and all necessary peripheral equipment, as well as a secure software solution with sufficient cloud storage to manage the data; the implementation of a training program for officers, including initial training on proper camera use, maintenance, and compliance with protocols, followed by regular refresher courses and scenario-based training; and the development of a data management process to ensure the efficient and secure dissemination of camera footage for judicial proceedings and periodic supervisory review for compliance with protocols.  The expected outcomes of this project include enhanced accountability of police-public interactions, thus reducing the likelihood of misconduct and providing critical evidence for internal reviews and legal proceedings; improved community relations through the transparency of operations, leading towards greater trust and cooperation from the public; improved evidence collection through high-quality video footage; and increased protection of officers by providing essential evidence for officer-involved incidents and to refute unfounded complaints.  The primary beneficiaries of this project are the residents and visitors of Alton, who will experience improved policing services and enhanced safety.  Police officer will also benefit from the protection and accountability provided by the cameras.  The judicial system will benefit from more reliable evidence, leading to fairer and more efficient trials or proceedings.