MBTA police union: We’ll consider body cameras
The MBTA police union is open to a discussion of body cameras for its officers, an official said yesterday, a day after the department’s superintendent floated the idea of equipping T cops with the devices.
“We’re currently in negotiations and we think this is something that should be discussed there,” said David Condon, a lawyer for the union that represents Transit Police, noting T facilities are already armed with cameras. “At the lion’s share of the MBTA’s facilities there are cameras on the buses and on the trains, and in the stations. It could be a duplication of effort. We’re not against it. We’re happy to sit down and discuss it with them.”
Transit Police Superintendent Richard Sullivan said Thursday on Boston Herald Radio that he and Transit police Chief Kenneth Green would like to explore equipping their officers with the cameras. Boston police are now testing a pilot bodycamera program.
Condon said he was surprised by the suggestion when he heard it and noted transit cops are already on camera for “90 percent of their shift.”
With the financial constraints on the T, union leadership would rather see more officers added to the force ahead of more equipment, he added.
“We have a good relationship with Superintendent Sullivan, we think highly of him. Obviously in today’s climate, it’s a popular piece of equipment,” he said. “Obviously, the T has significant financial difficulties. If they’re going to invest in the police department, we really think its essential to hire more officers and get more training.”