ROCKLAND — On November 1, 2021, the Rockland Police Department equipped its officers with Body Worn Cameras. According to the Rockland, Maine police department Facebook page, every officer has been assigned a camera and is required to carry and use it as part of their normal gear.

The cameras will help to show some of what officers see on a scene, as well as enable the administration to review officers’ actions.

“Keeping our community and our officers safe, while maintaining our community’s trust, is our top priority,” said the news release.

The department said that while Body Worn Cameras have been around in law enforcement for some time, it’s not as simple as just buying the cameras. It’s tremendously important to have strict policies in place on how videos will be handled, address citizens’ privacy concerns, and ensure videos are only disseminated appropriately. Additionally, servers, firewalls, and software for administrators to redact uninvolved persons were needed.

“But, that funding was secured, we have the infrastructure and you’ll see officers wearing the cameras out in public,” said Rockland police. “So, SMILE, let’s see everyone’s best side!”