All SEPTA transit police officers are now equipped with body cameras, which the transportation agency says will help officers strengthen their relationships with the public while enabling them to collect valuable evidence for investigations. SEPTA announced the department-wide expansion of the body camera program on Jan. 8.
“We’ve done this because we believe it gives the SEPTA Transit Police Department more credibility with the community. They’ll have more trust in us and feel there are additional checks and balances,” SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel III said.
SEPTA spent about $400,000 to buy the Digital Ally First VU cameras and accessories last July following a three-month pilot program and testing period in 2014. Fifteen officers wore the cameras during the pilot program and tested cameras from several manufacturers.
Officers are now required to activate the cameras when they are interacting with the public, responding to calls from police radio or carrying out other specific police functions listed in a departmental policy. Officers must verbally notify individuals that they are being recorded. Officers will not record during breaks, while writing reports, performing administrative duties or while having general conversations that are not related to an active investigation or incident.
SEPTA continues to operate more than 18,000 surveillance cameras at stations and on trains, buses and trolleys. Visit www.septa.org for information. ••
