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Chief Birch describes new body/dash-camera tech and hands-free enforcement blitz
Summary
Chief Birch reported the town is deploying body and dash cameras with real-time language translation and cloud uploads for prosecutor review and announced an upcoming enforcement push focused on hands-free driving and school-zone safety.
Chief Birch updated the council on police technology and an approaching enforcement campaign during departmental reports at the April 1 meeting.
He said recently procured body and dash cameras include a real-time translator for approximately 50 languages, automatic language detection and bidirectional speech capability. The equipment will capture clear video, interconnect with automatic lighting and upload footage to the cloud for sharing with prosecuting authorities as needed. Chief Birch said a truck ordered last month is awaiting delivery from Ford so it can be tracked.
Chief Birch added the department will begin a targeted enforcement effort focused on hands-free driving (prohibiting use of handheld cell phones while driving) and school-zone safety starting this weekend, with officers following school buses and emphasizing safe driving in school zones. Councilors had no follow-up questions recorded beyond a routine acknowledgment.
No budget action for the equipment was recorded during the excerpt beyond prior approvals mentioned in departmental remarks.
