SEPTA Police Launch Body Camera Program
By Paul Kurtz
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – SEPTA police officers are now wearing body cameras while out on patrol.
The officers have been wearing the cameras since the new year began, following a year-long pilot program in which SEPTA field tested 10 different models. The one they're using is about two inches square and is worn in the middle of the chest, just below the knot of the tie.
SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel believes the cameras will make good cops great and force the rest to follow the rules.
"What's worthwhile for us is having another piece of evidence to present showing that we were either wrong or we were right. It's not about defending the police, it's about getting to the truth and this is another tool to get to that truth," said Nestel.
Nestel says it may take some time for officers to get used to the guidelines on when they should and should not activate the cameras.
Basically they'll be turned on when cops are interacting with people and responding to radio calls.
