State troopers in Troop K, the troop that covers Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, are now equipped with new body cameras, according to a press release. In addition, the mobile video recorders in patrol cars have been updated.
The new equipment is part of a five-year contract with an Arizona company, Axon. Axon will also update software and infrastructure, the release said. PSP expects to have fully implemented body-worn cameras and updated mobile video recorders for all its troops by the end of the first quarter of 2025. 
State police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris said, "The use of body-worn cameras demonstrates our commitment to ensuring police interactions are respectful and constitutional. The cameras also provide concise capture of evidence in criminal cases and enhance our training opportunities."
At least two Democrat legislators from Philadelphia, state Sen. Nikil Saval, and state Rep. Morgan Cephas like the idea.
"I'm grateful that the Pennsylvania State Police have prioritized the implementation of body-worn cameras and am glad to see them adopted by the officers who work in Philadelphia. I hope they will be tools to imbue respect and foster accountability in every interaction between officers and neighbors across our city," Saval said.
Cephas added, "The commitment fulfilled by the Pennsylvania State Police to equip all officers of Troop K with body cameras is not just a response to a single incident; it is a response to the call from our communities for greater oversight and trust.”
The rollout of the new cameras began last year when Troop H, out of Cumberland County received them. Troop K is the fifth troop to get the new equipment. The rest will get them within the next 12 months.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
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