New Jersey Police Officers Now Wearing Body Cameras

The 48 officers that comprise the Evesham Township Police Department are setting a precedent for other departments in the state with a way to clear or confirm disputes against police without a long trial.

Officers in Evesham Township are now equipped with body cameras that are buttoned onto their shirts. An officer can activate the device to record audio or video by pushing twice on a center button.

While there have been qualms about the $63,000 cost for the devices, officers say that a lawsuit costs much more and that the devices can keep more difficult cases from dragging along.

“One lawsuit can cost us a million dollars, especially if it’s a he said-she said. Now we can just show the video clip without having all of our officers go to court with a long trial,” Chief Christopher Chew said.

Chew also said the devices will create a sense of accountability for both the officer and the public, incentivizing potential subjects to remain calm.

“When they know they’re on video they may say I better calm down, I better not escalate, I better comply because this can be used against me,” he told my9NJ.