BJA FY24 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) is applying for a Body-Worn camera (BWCs) policy and implementation program to support law enforcement agencies. Category 1: Site-based awards to Law Enforcement Agencies, including self-initiated partnership applications, in the amount of $120,000 for a 36-month project period. The MSO is prepared to match that amount making the total project costs $240,000.00. The body worn camera implementation program will assist with many different areas of the MSO including but not limited to: improving officer and incarcerated individuals’ safety, creating transparency with MSO employees and members of our local communities, increasing evidence validity, reducing complaints, reduce liability, aid in training both new and experienced officers, and assist with day to day documentation. Body worn cameras will allow our agency to document an unbiased record of interactions between staff and incarcerated individuals as well as within the community. Having this technology will help to improve transparency and accountability for our employees, incarcerated individuals, and members of the community. Video footage obtained from the BWCs will help to mitigate officer’s liability as well as record the day to day activities surrounding our transportation of incarcerated individuals to and from courts in the community, move team activities regarding cell extractions, capturing movement during disorder management and areas related to handling of our K-9 unit. Video taken from BWCs will be critical for aiding with training for MSO employees to learn from real-life scenarios. Body worn cameras will play a crucial role in maintaining safety, transparency, and effective operations within Middlesex Jail and House of Correction.

The expected outcomes for the BWCs program are: improving officer and the incarcerated populations safety as well as transparency and accountability, providing valuable evidence for investigations, assist with review of any disciplinary actions and legal proceedings, and will provide critical training to MSO employees. By capturing interactions with staff, incarcerated individuals and members of the public, MSO will be able to increase public safety. BWCs will allow for accountability to maintain a fair environment between officers and incarcerated individuals. 

The intended beneficiaries of the BWCs project are: correctional staff, incarcerated individuals, administrators, investigators, the public and legal system. This project will serve Middlesex County, located in northeastern Massachusetts.  Middlesex County, the most populous county in New England, has 1.62 million residents, 71.09% of whom are White, 12.9% Asian, 5.05% Black or African American, 3.68% from other races, and 6.96% from two or more races. The MSO supports the public safety of 54 cities, towns and municipal police departments and works with 20 courts. The MSO's correctional facilities house an average of 707 individuals, 44.67% of whom are sentenced inmates.