Cumberland Police Department implements body camera program

CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WLNE) — The Cumberland Police Department said that it would begin Phase One of its body worn camera program Wednesday.

The department said the first phase will last several weeks and will involve several officers wearing cameras and providing feedback to Chief Matthew Benson.

The gathered feedback will focus on policy, procedure, and operational experience.

Benson said the phase will be followed by several further rollout periods until the entire department is wearing the cameras.

He added that the cameras were fully funded by the a state grant and were purchased earlier this year after extensive research.

“This program seeks to come into alignment with the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association’s ‘Twenty for ’20’ campaign, as the department looks to further our commitment to transparency and constitutional policing,” Benson said.