Septa's Top Cop Eager To Deploy More Body-Worn Cameras For Officers
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A pilot program testing body cameras worn by Septa transit officers is getting good reviews, and the transit police commander says in the wake of the White House call for funding of more police body cameras, he'd be ready to expand their use.
Septa Transit Police chief Thomas Nestel says the six cameras that were deployed back in July have been netting good results.
"We've seen really positive feedback from the public, who are told that they're being recorded and asked about whether or not they're in favor of this type of program," Nestel said today, adding, "and we've seen some change in officer behavior that's positive."
Nestel is so pleased, in fact, that he has ordered ten more cameras and hopes to have a report with recommendations on expanding the program within six months.
Moreover, Nestel says, if Congress backs the president's call for funding cameras, "We want to get in that line and get the federal government to help us equip our officers with a really worthwhile piece of equipment."
