CHELMSFORD — The Chelmsford Police Department will deploy body-worn cameras on the department’s more than 50 sworn officers soon thanks to a $122,769 grant from the Commonwealth.
Chelmsford Police will deploy body-worn cameras on officers as soon as July 1 thanks to overwhelming support for the body-worn camera program from Chelmsford Police officers and supervisors who are committed to transparency.
The Law Enforcement Body-Worn Camera Program was established in 2022, and has distributed nearly $13 million statewide to support body-worn camera programs via the Office of Grants and Research. Chelmsford Police received a grant in the latest round of funding, which provided $3.49 million for body-worn cameras statewide.
“Body-worn cameras help establish clear, consistent standards for policing across Massachusetts,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “This investment supports professionalism and accountability statewide and helps police departments build trust with their communities.”
Chelmsford Police have already selected a vendor to provide cameras, and will be able to purchase the cameras as soon as grant funds are distributed. Lt. Nicholas Ziminsky spearheaded technical work to prepare a body-worn camera program within Chelmsford Police.
Additionally, all three Chelmsford Police unions supported and cooperated with the effort to institute a body-worn camera program. Cameras are expected to be deployed with officers on July 1.
Wearing body cameras demonstrates departments’ commitment to transparency and accountability and helps improve policing practices so that officers may better serve their communities.
Research done by the Bureau of Justice Assistance suggests that implementing body-worn cameras has led to reductions in crime, police-generated incidents, assaults against police officers, and complaints against police officers in certain communities.
“Body-worn cameras are not just equipment, they demonstrate our commitment to obtaining the highest levels of integrity, fairness, professionalism and community trust. By embracing body-worn cameras, we strengthen our relationship with the community,” said Chief Colin Spence. “I want to thank the Commonwealth, the Select Board, Town Manager Paul Cohen, all three of our police unions and the citizens of Chelmsford for supporting our body-worn camera program. The sworn officers and supervisors of Chelmsford Police are deeply committed to building trust through transparency.”
