The Pennsylvania State Police announced that patrol troopers at every station across the Commonwealth are now equipped with body-worn cameras to record their public interactions. PSP successfully completed its initiative to outfit troopers with these cameras and to update the mobile video recorders in their patrol vehicles – weeks ahead of schedule.
“Our ability to maintain efficient operations relies heavily on the trust placed in us by the communities we serve,” said PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. “With the completion of our body-worn camera rollout, we aim to strengthen that trust by documenting our public interactions and demonstrating our commitment to transparency, accountability, and respectful police services.”
PSP’s initiative involved outfitting more than 3,000 troopers whose assignments are spread across 89 stations within 16 troops with body-worn cameras. The initiative additionally upgraded the mobile video recorders in more than 1,400 patrol vehicles.
Body-worn cameras and mobile video recorders enhance evidence collection at traffic crash and crime scenes by capturing actions, conditions and statements in real time, which improves the preparation of reports and court testimony. Additionally, video recordings provide opportunities to enhance the training of cadets and troopers.
Furthermore, the implementation of body-worn cameras aligns with PSP’s commitment to utilizing the latest equipment and technology, supporting the department’s goal of providing its members with the resources needed for increased personal safety, job efficiency, and effectiveness.
The upgraded mobile video recorders capture footage from a wider perspective, allowing for better coverage of the surrounding area. In contrast, the previous dash-mounted cameras used by State Police for the past two decades only captured a limited view directly in front of the patrol vehicle.
To achieve completion of its goals for the implementation of body-worn cameras and upgraded mobile video recorders, the department entered into a five-year contract, with an option for renewals, with Arizona-based Axon to provide the cameras, as well as the necessary software and infrastructure. The rollout began in the summer of 2023.
