Video cameras soon will record police activity
Peabody police officers soon will have the ability to video tape their work when they install video cameras in two patrol cars.
The cameras were purchased with money from the department's diversion fund according to Peabody Police Chief Jeff Pohlman.
"When people we arrest are eligible for a diversion program, they are required to pay for the privilege of being in that program," said Pohlman. "A portion of the money they pay into the diversion fund comes back to the police department and we use it for equipment."
Officers will use the cameras to record everything from routine traffic stops to potentially more serious crimes. The cameras will record whatever activity goes on outside the police vehicle.
Diversion fund money also has paid for computers the officers can use in their cars. Instead of spending time at their desks filling out reports, officers can remain on the streets and do their paper work in the patrol cars.
