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Wendell police outline body‑worn camera program, say public release requires court order
Summary
Wendell Police Chief John Slaughter told the Town Board the department has selected Axon body cameras, secured grant funding, and drafted a policy covering use, maintenance, review and evidence handling. He said state law and court process limit public release of footage, and supervisors will conduct quarterly reviews of recordings.
Wendell — The Wendell Police Department presented its planned body‑worn camera program to the Town Board on Monday, detailing equipment, policy, training and a timeline for deployment. Chief John Slaughter said the department selected Axon cameras after testing several models and has grant funding to help cover costs.
The chief said the cameras will complement existing in‑car cameras and fill gaps where vehicle cameras do not capture events, for example during residential calls or interactions away from patrol cars. “It’s become the new normal in policing now,” Slaughter said, adding body cameras can aid investigations, training and courtroom evidence.
Staff and policy highlights
Slaughter summarized the department’s policy framework and operational expectations: officers will test body cameras at shift start, keep cameras recording until…
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