Hamden police to get wearable cameras

HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) — The town of Hamden has approved a measure allowing cops to wear cameras on their uniforms.

Within a matter of months, dozens of Hamden police officers will have small video cameras attached to them as they patrol the streets.

"It's a camera unit that's going to be hooked up to a recording device," said Mario Dinatale, Chief Information Officer, Hamden Police.

A video on the camera company's website shows how with the press of a button, officers can capture their encounters. The video taken is then stored in a system for police and the public to see.

"It can either be mounted on their head via sunglasses, around their neck," said Dinatale.

It can also fit around their collars. The police chief says the ability to record what police see and do when they interact with the public is beneficial not only for them, but also the community.

"We know from research that behavior is improved by both police and communities when they know they're being recorded," said Chief Thomas Wydra, Hamden Police.

Video captured will be able to be used in court, to help defend a false allegation against an officer and to help train police.

"To correct and counsel our officers maybe if there's bad behavior that we see or spoken words that shouldn't have been spoken," said Chief Wydra.

The 36 units cost about $35,000 and police say the hope to eventually have all officers armed with a camera.

"This benefits the public and our officers," said Chief Wydra.

The Police Chief says he expects the officers to start using the cameras in about 3-4 months.