Newton police to add body cameras

Newton police officers could soon be equipped with body cameras following city council’s approval of a conditional agreement for a new video system for the department. The new system includes 10 body cameras, seven in-car dash cameras, hardware infrastructure, software, digital evidence storage, IT support and maintenance fees.

“During the fall of 2017, the police department tested and evaluated police video systems from three nationally recognized vendors to determine which products met the current and future needs of the police department’s operations,” city administrator Matt Muckler said.

The current system being used by the department includes in-car dash cameras in each of the seven patrol vehicles. The units range from six to nine years old and have been experiencing operational issues requiring significant staff time to maintain, repair and operate.

The new equipment will help the department demonstrate transparency to the community, document statements, observations, behaviors and other evident and deter unprofessional, illegal and inappropriate behaviors by both law enforcement and the public, Muckler said.

“Police in car video dash cameras and body cameras have a number of benefits for both law enforcement and the public,” Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess said. “The technology has improved greatly and the introduction of body cameras into law enforcement is becoming a standard part of the officer’s equipment.”

Axon Enterprises Inc. was approved for a conditional agreement in order for the city to take advantage of a more than $9,000 fill implementation discount. If Axon is selected as the preferred vendor and funding is not approved for the project at a future meeting, the city can terminate the agreement without penalty.

“This just becomes more and more important for the safety of the public as well as the safety of our officers,” councilwoman Miranda Kulis said. “I think it is important to have this and I understand all of the maintenance and IT side of things to store all of this data if it is needed at a later date.”

Burdess said the police department will be going over the pricing and contract proposals with the three vendors during the next few weeks with a presentation identifying the chosen vendor scheduled for the Jan. 15 city council meeting.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com