By Peter Elacqua
Staff Writer
MARLBORO – The Marlboro Police Department is expected to join the ranks of law enforcement agencies that outfit their officers with body worn cameras that record the officers’ interaction with individuals while they are on duty.
A $25,000 grant from the state will help to fund the purchase of 50 cameras in Marlboro. The Township Council authorized the purchase of the cameras when it passed a resolution at its March 10 meeting.
Marlboro Police Capt. Fred Reck said the money was given to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office from the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office to distribute to police departments that apply for a grant.
“I believe (body worn cameras) will be a positive move for this department as it is the direction the future is going,” Reck said. “As technology advances, a police department needs to adopt newer technology to keep up with the times. Society expected officers to have this technology available to them and any opportunity to have the body worn camera will allow us to provide a better product with police services here in Marlboro.”
The council’s resolution states that the total cost of acquiring the cameras, associated software and warranties will not exceed $56,500. The amount that is not covered by the grant will be taken out of a law enforcement trust account that is separate from the municipal budget. Each camera costs $539.
Reck said this initiative marks the first time Marlboro officers will use body worn cameras. He said police vehicles have been outfitted with cameras since 2005. Reck said the police department will have to upgrade its server to accommodate the footage that will be recorded by the body worn cameras. It is anticipated that officers could be wearing the cameras by June.