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Smithfield council authorizes $50,000 upfront for police body-worn camera program; grant to reimburse costs
Summary
Council authorized purchase of Axon body-worn cameras and related licenses for the police department, approving $50,000 to be funded from a state subgrant; police and councilors described the system as compatible with existing equipment and state evidence portals.
The Smithfield Town Council on March 18 authorized the police department to purchase Axon body-worn cameras, administrative licenses and related equipment under a master price agreement for an initial $50,000, to be funded by a state subgrant for body-worn cameras (BWC) awarded to the town.
Chief Larry Dolan told the council Executive Lieutenant Dennis Guadamacho researched systems for seven months and recommended Axon because it integrates with the department's current Taser devices and the state Attorney General's evidence portal. Dolan said the department expects a $253,000 total grant award over the five-year program; the council approved the initial $50,000 payment to be reimbursed by the grant.
"Axon...is the best system that integrates with our current tasers and also the attorney general's portal for evidence security," Chief Dolan said.
Council members praised the effort and said body-worn cameras improve transparency for officers and the public. The council approved the motion by voice vote. Chief Dolan and staff said training and ongoing program costs will be covered by grant funds and future budget planning tied to the grant award.
The authorization covers six body-worn cameras, four administrative licenses and related Axon services; Chief Dolan said the award is a five-year program with reimbursement and some training costs covered by the grant.
