East Providence Police Launch Body Camera Pilot Program

The East Providence Police Department is launching a body-worn and in-car camera pilot program.

Six members of the department, both patrol officers and supervisors, have volunteered to wear body cameras during a trial period that starts Tuesday, the department said in a statement.

The trial period is expected to last three to four months.

“This program, if fully adopted will create better transparency between the department and the community it serves,” the department said.

The volunteers have been trained how to use and will test equipment from several vendors so they can properly assess the effectiveness of each vendor's products.

The department also has developed a policy to make sure the cameras are operated in compliance with state law and to address privacy concerns.

Release of video from the cameras will be done in compliance with state law.