North Wildwood Police Implement Body Worn Cameras

WILDWOOD, N.J. (CBS) —The North Wildwood Police Department has announced the use of body worn cameras.

"The North Wildwood Police Department's use of body worn video camera technology will be valuable to accurately document events, actions, conditions and statements made during investigative stops, field interviews, arrests and critical incidents," said police said.

North Wildwood police officers already have dash cams in their patrol cars.

Five officers are on patrol now, and the force grows to 25 during the summer.

Police Captain John Stevenson says the body cameras are another tool to help officers on duty.

"There hasn't been any pushback whatsoever. I think the officers see this as, that cameras can actually help them as well if they're being accused of something and it didn't happen they can use the camera to show what did happen."

Stevenson says there was no single incident that prompted the use of the cameras.

Officers will be equipped with the WatchGuard Vista Wearable Body Camera, which functions as a camera and DVR combination to collect video and audio evidence.

"Although it doesn't capture everything the officer sees, it will be beneficial for court and document a clearer picture of what happened during an incident. The use of the cameras increase transparency and also provides an opportunity to capture the good work the police officers do on a daily basis," said Police Chief Matthew Gallagher.

The police force started using the cameras on Thursday.

They are funded locally and through a grant administered by the Cape May County Prosecutor's office.

KYW Newsradio's Mike DeNardo contributed to this report.