The officers will test three different models of body cameras to determine which one is the best Watch video
HAMILTON -- Hamilton's police department has begun testing body cameras on six officers, with plans for a force-wide rollout set for early next year, officials said on Thursday.
For the rest of the year, the officers will test three different models of body cameras to determine which one is the best.
"I believe this technology will help to protect our officers and our residents, build upon the high level of cooperation that already exists between our law-abiding citizens and our police and further enhance our community's confidence in our dedicated law enforcement personnel," Mayor Kelly Yaede said.
In the 2015 budget, $143,000 was earmarked for the cameras. The different options vary in cost of a few hundred dollars each, excluding any support equipment that may be necessary, officials said.
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The department has also applied to the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office for a share of the state money set aside for cameras.
"We look forward to outfitting our street officers with body worn cameras during the first half of 2016," Police Chief James Collins said.
In neighboring Trenton, Mayor Eric Jackson said in his "State of the City" address that body cameras would be coming next year.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.