Cranston Police begin body camera pilot program

Cranston Police launched a new pilot program Friday to see if they want all of their officers to wear body cameras.

The department will make its decision after testing them out for 60 days. During this pilot program, ten officers will be wearing body cameras.

Major Todd Patalano said it will be a good chance to make a decision and see if it’s a good fit for the department.

 “We felt it was appropriate to give ourselves a snapshot if this is right for us,” Patalano said. “Benefits outweighed other issues.”

The department worked out a deal with a company called Axon to try the cameras free of charge.

Maj. Patalano is hoping to see big changes during the trial period.

“Contributes to officer safety, it helps us with presenting cases for criminal prosecution,” he said.

The idea to bring in body cameras began about six months ago where Cranston reached out to Providence Police for help.

Providence ushered in the cameras in 2016, spearheaded by Capt. Dean Isabella.

“There are officers who after wearing the camera for a couple of weeks came to me and said I wouldn’t go back on the road without one,” Isabella said. 

Capt. Isabella added that from his department’s experience, the cameras can be used to deescalate heated situations.

“In a conflict with somebody or there’s a volatile situation, people tend to quickly change their attitudes when they know there’s a camera on,” he said.

If Cranston decides to keep the cameras it could cost up $120,000 a year. Providence Police currently pay around $250,000 a year.

These departments also have to invest in an advanced software program for the tool to be effective.