The Hoboken City Council will vote on a 60-day pilot program where parking enforcement officers wear body cameras, at no cost to the city, at this evening’s meeting.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“These body cameras have proven to be a valuable tool for law enforcement agencies, including the Hoboken Police Department, by documenting hostile interactions experienced by officers, deescalating conflicts, creating accountability for officers and all equipment and training will be provided by Axon at no cost to the City for a period of 60 days,” the resolution, sponsored by 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos, says.
Arizona-based Axon Enterprise, Inc. had a five-year, $739,370.20 contract for the Hoboken Police Department unanimously approved by the council in March 2021.
” … Our HPU personnel are often verbally abused by individuals that receive tickets and the goal would be that cameras will provide a lawyer of protection for personnel,” Ramos told HCV.
The resolution also notes that the trial kit will be returned to Axon at the end of the pilot period, when the Department of Transportation and Parking will review the findings and make recommendations on how to proceed forward.
City spokesman Marilyn Baer indicated that the administration is on board with the idea.
“The Department of Transportation and Parking intends to launch a two-month pilot program in which several of the City’s Parking Enforcement Officers will wear body cameras while on duty to help document public interactions, protect our public servants, and create accountability,” she said.
“At the end of the trial period, the City will review the program’s effectiveness and potentially extend and expand the program.”
The Hoboken City Council convenes this evening at City Hall, 94 Washington St., at 7 p.m.