ULM police officers received an upgrade in on-officer video cameras. The cameras have been upgraded to “Axon Body” cameras manufactured by Taser.

The new camera system features advanced technology and more durability.

“It’s been in progress for a while, our old camera’s charging ports kept breaking,” Steven Mahon said.

Mahon, Officer in Charge of UPD, said that each officer that patrols has a camera. 

“The University Police Department’s continued use of on-officer video camera technology will provide value in enhancing officer safety, reduction of liability, assist with prosecution and further promote professionalism and accountability,” Mahon said.

According to its website, Taser’s Axon Body is an ultra-durable on-officer camera designed to balance both simplicity and performance. 

The camera features a 130-degree wide-angle lens, multiple mounting options and a full shift buffer, all within the single button recording device.

The cameras connect to officer phones via Bluetooth and record all interactions with the public and store them on the phone.

Research was recently conducted in California in order to find how cameras affect police work.

“The study showed that complaints dropped by 50 percent. That’s a significant reduction,” Mahon said.

Darren Rindt believes that the cameras will ultimately benefit everyone.

“Cameras on officers allow videos to be used as evidence to help convict criminals,” said Rindt, a junior criminal justice major.

Rindt also said that cameras keep “crooked cops” honest, but in no way believes that the campus police are not honest.

“I think they’re a great department. They work very hard to ensure safety around campus,” Rindt said.