Body cam use has cops calling Evesham Twp. police

EVESHAM TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- The protests in Ferguson have started a national conversation about the way police interact with the communities they serve.

One idea gaining a lot of traction is to give officers body cameras to wear while on duty.

Police in Evesham Township, New Jersey have been using such cameras since last summer, and that has departments across the country calling for advice.

Evesham PD was the first agency in New Jersey to outfit all officers with body cams. They say it is one of the greatest innovations for police and the public.

"If you do the right thing and you do it for the right reasons you have nothing to worry about," said Lt. Joe Friel of the Evesham Township Police.

35,000 contacts with the public have been recorded so far, with six complaints. Of those, five officers were exonerated while one was found to be out of line.

"We found the officer was acting improperly and he was disciplined in the form of training," said Lt. Friel.

The Evesham Twp. officers look at the crisis in Ferguson and enthusiastically say the solution is right here in South Jersey - body cams for all police.

"They provide a level of transparency to the public that they deserve. It also provides protection for the officer, it provides a clear description of what happened and it helps with evidence in court," said Sgt. Rich Dixon.

The model of body camera used in Evesham is being considered by departments as far away as Japan.