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Sparta police join ranks of N.J. cops using body cameras

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SPARTA -- Sparta police have started utilizing body cameras.

The department recently purchased six of the devices at a cost of $450 each and officers have been trained in how to use them, the department announced in a news release.

Regular use of the cameras will start with the day-shift patrol on Friday and six more have been ordered, the department said.

The Sparta Police Department is the first law enforcement agency in Sussex County and one of the few in the state to outfit its officers with "this new technology," said Sparta Lt. John-Paul Beebe.

In the release, the department said it purchased the wireless devices "in a continuing effort to best serve our community by providing the highest level of public service possible."


RELATED: Body cameras will soon be worn by 1,000 N.J. state troopers

The wireless devices house a video camera, audio/video recording hardware and a port for charging the device and downloading events.

The department's command staff cited three main objectives in using the body worn cameras:

  • To ensure accurate documentation of police-public contacts, arrests and "critical incidents." They also serve to enhance the accuracy of police reports and testimony in court.
  • Audio and video recordings enhance the department's ability to review probable cause for arrests, officer and suspect interaction and evidence for investigative and prosecuting purposes and to provide additional information for officer evaluation and training.
  • The camera may also be helpful in documenting crime and accident scenes or other events that include confiscation and documentation of evidence or contraband.

The "state-of-the-art" body worn cameras were manufactured and serviced by Boonton-based L3 Mobile Vision, Inc., the same company that installed and maintains the eight mobile video recorders on the department's marked patrol cars, the department said.

Earlier this year, the New Jersey State Police announced that all troopers would be equipped with body cameras by early next year.

Ben Horowitz may be reached at bhorowitz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @HorowitzBen. Find NJ.com on Facebook. 
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