Murfreesboro Police Department to issue body-worn cameras
Nancy DeGennaroStarting in November, MPD officers will be issued body-worn cameras, according to MPD Chief Michael Bowen.
Since the late 1990s, the majority of Murfreesboro Police Department vehicles have been equipped with in-car video cameras.
“Nationally, many police agencies have acquired body cameras or are attempting to obtain them,” Bowen said. “Locally, it has been a goal for MPD to obtain body cameras (for the purpose of) evidence documentation along with accountability and transparency.”
Over the past few months, MPD tested three different body-worn camera systems.
On Sept. 1, Murfreesboro City Council approved a 129-month contact with Arizona-based Axon Enterprises to supply 310 body cameras, software, hardware and support equipment.
“Axon offered the best solution for our agency,” Bowen told City Council.
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The contract will allow us to issue body-worn cameras for all our sworn officers while providing in-car systems to allow integration (between both systems),” Bowen said. “We will also be able to obtain video and evidence storage.”
The contract also includes four system upgrades, Bowen confirmed.
Total cost for the nearly 11-year contract is $7,997,384.64. Funding will come from the MPD operating budget.
Details such as longevity of evidence storage and activation times of the body-worn cameras will be determined based on agency policy guidelines.
“Overall, the acquisition of body cameras is a positive step for MPD and the City of Murfreesboro,” Bowen said.
Reach reporter Nancy DeGennaro at degennaro@dnj.com.