Malden Police Dept. receives $95K grant for body cams

  The Malden Police Department recently received $95,024 from the state to purchase body cameras for its officers.

  “Every day, Malden Police officers respond to a variety of situations and circumstances that require a vast array of knowledge, skills and resources,” said Police Chief Kevin Molis. “The use of body cameras will document the great and oftentimes heroic work that our officers perform on a regular basis in a way that is lasting and transparent. I can also say with great confidence that it will reveal how fortunate the people of Malden are to be served by our officers in a city that truly cares not only in words but in its actions.”

  In addition, bringing body cameras to Malden has been a priority for Mayor Gary Christenson. “Body worn cameras are a crucial step forward as we continue to build on our Police Department’s commitment to increase transparency and enhance public safety,” he said.

  The allocation is part of a $4 million push from the Baker-Polito Administration, which distributed funding for body cameras to 64 police departments across the state. The grants are the first wave in an even larger $20 million capital grant program which will fund the purchase of 9,000 body cameras during the next five years.

  “We are glad to provide communities with these resources for body-worn camera programs, because they improve public safety, strengthen community-police relations, and enhance the values of transparency and accountability,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This technology offers municipalities a valuable tool in support of municipal police in their efforts to ensure public safety and transparency in their communities.”

  According to a recent poll from the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, 75 percent of police departments are interested in having body cameras. However, only 10 percent of municipal police departments have them.

  “The Administration is pleased to partner with local law enforcement agencies to provide the resources and technology needed to improve public safety and nurture strong relationships with the communities they serve,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.