Nearly 200 Boston police officers have begun wearing body cameras on duty in a reported effort to enhance transparency and strengthen public trust.
The number of officers who will wear body cameras only represent a fraction of the force. The officers include those who primarily work in the South Boston and Dorchester neighborhoods and some members of the youth violence strike force.
According to Boston Police, the cameras will be used when officers are engaging with the public in a number of situations. The officers are able to use their discretion to turn the cameras off to protect sensitive information.
The Boston Police department piloted the use of cameras on some officers over the past year despite pushback from the police union. Former Boston Police commissioner William Evans said a study of the program found benefits to using cameras.
