Newtown Twp. Police To Wear Body Cameras For First Time

Police in Newtown Township will be wearing body cameras for the first time after the board of supervisors approved a $393,112 purchase from Axon Enterprises, Inc. at its Wednesday meeting last week.

The exact purchase is of an integrated Body Worn Camera and In-Car video program, township Police Chief John Hearn said. He added that $250,000 of the purchase will be reimbursed through the Justice Assistance Grant Funding that was awarded to township police in September of last year. The remainder will come from township capital funding, with $50,000 from this year’s capital fund and the rest paid over the next four years, Hearn stated.

The grant application that resulted in the award was prepared and submitted by Officer Brandon Turpyn and professional support staff member Amanda Pell, work that assisted Hearn in his “desire for operating under the best standards.”

“This purchase will replace the department’s outdated in-car video program and equip officers with body worn cameras for the first time,” the chief continued in an email. “Body worn cameras will enhance officer safety, further ensure that they are upholding the professional standards of the police department and foster accountability and transparency.

“The Newtown Township Police Department believes that the integrated BWC and in-car video program will be a valuable tool to continue building community trust and further enhance officer interactions with the public. Community partnerships and collaboration are key elements of our success.”