Nassau County, NY - May 18, 2015 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams, Police Commissioner Thomas C. Krumpter and other elected officials today announced a pilot program that will equip a number of Nassau County police officers with body cameras in an effort to increase transparency during interactions with the public. As part of the program, a total of 62 cameras will be assigned to 31 officers from the First, Third, and Fifth Precincts, which includes the communities of Baldwin, Elmont, Great Neck, New Cassel, Roosevelt, Uniondale and Westbury.

County Executive Mangano stated, “Crime is down 25% since I took office in 2010. Crime is at the lowest levels since statistics were first recorded and Nassau is the safest large suburban county in America. This success is directly attributable to our officers, intelligence-led policing models and strategic communication. Advancements in technology have also made it possible for police officers to receive and input valuable intelligence through the computers in their patrol vehicles, effectively turning these patrol vehicles into mobile police precincts. This body camera pilot program seeks to expand upon our efforts by using the latest technology to increase transparency during interactions with the public, strengthen officer performance by using footage for training and improve evidence documentation for investigations and prosecution.”

“We must always remember that transparency is the cornerstone to building public trust. Bringing body camera technology to Nassau is about protecting the police officers that risk their lives to protect us while fostering confidence in all our relations with each and every community. Today is a great day here in Nassau and I'm thankful of County Executive Mangano for supporting this important initiative," stated Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams.

The Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) will select three camera models and assign each model to participating officers to test for three months at a time as the Department evaluates the best technology for its officers.

The cost of the pilot program, which will begin on August 1st, is estimated to be $150,000 and will be paid for through County operational funds. Upon its completion, the NCPD will provide final recommendations to the County Executive and County Legislature based on their experience with the pilot program.

Legislator Siela Bynoe stated, “Utilizing technology to capture interactions between police officers and residents will serve to de-escalate emotionally charged situations. I am very happy that Nassau County is taking the steps necessary to provide increased safety for our residents and our hard working police officers. This is a win-win situation.”

Legislator Carrie Solages added, “This is an extra layer of protection that helps keep our police and residents safe while also promoting transparency. I'm proud of our police and proud that Nassau is bringing this technology to our County.”

“The Nassau County Police Department is committed to exploring the latest technology in order to continue to keep Nassau one of the safest communities in the country,” said Acting Commissioner Krumpter. “This pilot program will benefit members of the community and as well as our officers.”

In creating the program, the NCPD collaborated with the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and law-enforcement agencies across the country that already have body-camera programs in place.