Body Worn Cameras

BODY WORN CAMERAS

It is the policy of the Woodbridge Township Police Department to utilize body worn cameras to assist agency personnel in the performance of their duties by proving an accurate and unbiased recorded account of an incident and to maintain the necessary safeguards that will ensure the non-discriminating use as well as proper preservation of evidence that may be obtained through use of this technology.

The body worn cameras will be used in accordance with the guidelines and policies established by the New Jersey State Attorney General’s Office and the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT REGARDING BODY WORN CAMERA RECORDINGS?

Body Worn Cameras will be worn by all uniformed patrol officers assigned to the Radio Patrol Division. Body Worn Cameras may also be worn by Detectives and plainclothes officers in certain situations.

Body Worn Cameras shall be utilized to record all contacts with citizens in the performance of official duties including but not limited to:

• Calls for service

• Motor vehicle stops or motorist aid

• Field interviews

• Investigative detentions

• Arrests and transports

• Advisement of Miranda rights

• Protective frisks for weapons

• DWI investigations including field sobriety tests and checkpoints

• All searches (consensual or otherwise)

• Physical or verbal confrontations or use of force

• Seizure of evidence

• A police response to any type of civil disorder in circumstances where the officer is engaged with or in the presence of civilians and the officer or any other officer on the scene may be required to employ constructive authority or force.

In situations when it is safe and reasonable to do so, officers are required to alert the public that they are being recorded.

In locations where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as a home or hospital, individuals may request that an officer not record them. Officers will evaluate each situation and honor the request, if appropriate.

WHAT IS THE VIDEO RETENTION POLICY?

• Video retention schedules are set by New Jersey Law.

• All video must be retained for at least 180 days.

• In the case of certain incident types and criminal proceedings, the retention period may be longer than the 180 day minimum.

WHERE WILL THE BODY CAMERAS BE LOCATED AND WHAT WILL
THEY LOOK LIKE?

The body worn camera will be positioned on the outer layer of the officer's uniform and placed within the upper torso/chest area, ensuring the recording capability is not obstructed. The photos below show the current body worn camera utilized by the Woodbridge Police Department and an example of where it may be placed on an officer’s uniform.