Falmouth accepts $250,000 state grant to launch police body‑worn camera program

The Falmouth Select Board voted unanimously Aug. 26 to accept a $250,000 SFY25 law enforcement body‑worn camera grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to begin a police body‑worn camera program.

Police Chief Lohrey told the board the grant will cover equipment and startup costs but stressed the town must plan for recurring expenses, especially cloud storage and contract terms. He said the department evaluated Axon (a widely used vendor), Motorola’s new 700‑series camera, and a potential third vendor, GTAC, and that Axon’s proposals included higher ongoing storage costs and a more generous replacement cadence while Motorola offered a lower multi‑year storage cost estimate.

The chief said the department received $250,000 in grant funding and currently has $75,000 in the capital budget toward the program. He described scenarios in which different vendors would change multi‑year costs: an Axon solution could add roughly $119,752 per year in storage/service charges, while Motorola proposals would be closer to $26,004.47 annually under the versions shown to the board. He said the department is negotiating with vendors to reduce costs and will continue to consult the town manager and legal staff before signing long‑term contracts.

During discussion, Select Board members pressed on timing, officer training, and union negotiations. Chief Lohrey said the department would take about three to four months to get equipment, run a trial over the winter, and aim for full deployment next summer; he said policy drafting, union conversations and DA guidance are already underway. Several board members welcomed accepting the grant now to secure state funds while staff continue vendor negotiations.

The motion to accept the grant was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The board directed staff to keep them informed as vendor contracts, storage options and multi‑year costs are finalized.