By Donald Wittkowski
Sea Isle City is doubling the number of body cameras worn by its police officers in an upgrade to the latest technology.
For the past two years, the police department has had 10 body cameras, but the number will be increased to 20 new models offering higher quality video, better nighttime capability and improved software.
“We’re getting the latest and greatest technology,” Sea Isle Police Chief Tom McQuillen said.
At its meeting Tuesday, City Council approved the purchase of the new body cameras and mobile data terminals from contractor L3 Mobile-Vision Inc. of Rockaway, N.J. The cameras will cost $9,740 and the mobile data terminals are $55,216 for a total contract of $64,956, according to a copy of the resolution authorizing the purchase.
The body cameras, about the size of a pack of cigarettes, allow officers to video the action when they are out on patrol. They are growing in use among police departments nationwide as a way to protect both the officers and the public.
McQuillen said the body cameras offer “a full picture of what took place.”
On its website, L3 Mobile-Vision says that while testimony may be flawed in criminal cases, the video evidence recorded by the body cameras is “rock solid” and provides “an unbiased eye to protect officers and citizens alike.”
