Fawn police to be equipped with body cameras

Fawn police are expected to be equipped with body cameras by the end of the year.

Supervisors on Oct. 11 voted to join the Body Worn Camera Program sponsored by the Allegheny County Police Chiefs Association.

“This is something new for us, and it’s important for transparency and officer safety,” Chief Tim Mayberry said. “I think it’s a valuable tool to collect evidence, too.”

Law enforcement agencies across the country are more regularly wearing body-mounted video cameras, as they can give a clear picture of interactions between officers and the public.

The cameras provide an audio and visual record of interactions.

Blawnox police in 2020 secured nearly $5,000 through the county District Attorney’s Office to equip its officers with body cameras.

Just last month, Fox Chapel Council bought five new body-worn cameras from Motorola Solutions for just under $15,700, adding to the six the borough already has.

Mayberry expects Fawn’s equipment to be in use in the next month or two. Fawn’s department includes the chief and one full-time officer.

Supervisors applied for a federal grant to pay for the cameras. The board applied for $8,900 through the U.S. Department of Justice.

Township Supervisor Phillip Smozski said the purchase was something the police requested.

“The officers felt it is a necessity to protect them and the people they come in contact with,” he said.

Freelance writer Tom Yerace contributed to this report.