SALEM — Salem State University (SSU) police officers began wearing body cameras last week, making it the second out of nine state universities to adopt the use of body cameras for its officers.
Officers will wear these cameras at all times while on duty.
Gene Labonte, SSU chief of police, said launching this body-worn camera program is the “right thing to do to enhance transparency and accountability.”
“We’re excited to have gotten this project off the ground,” Labonte said.
According to Labonte, the body-worn cameras not only benefit community relations, but can deter or document inappropriate behavior, capture evidence for criminal, civil, and traffic-related cases, and provide footage that can be used for officer training.
“I’m grateful to our officers for their collaboration as we take this positive and proactive step,” said Labonte.
SSU police officers have jurisdiction on campus and patrol the streets surrounding the university.
Through an agreement with the Salem Police Department, these officers also provide backup throughout the city as needed.
