The Thomson Police Department will use a federal grant, along with funding from a local energy cooperative, to update its inventory of body cameras for officers.

“This is all about being as transparent as possible,” said Thomson Police Chief Courtney Gale. “We are here to serve and protect, and that’s not just a trite saying. We truly want to be part of this community and take care of this community. This program will help us build the trust that is so vital to ensuring those relationships flourish.”

The U.S. Department of Justice announced this week that the Thomson Police Department would receive $9,825 through the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Body-worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program. The money, combined with a $10,000 grant from the Jefferson Energy Cooperative Foundation, will go to purchase 17 body cameras for Thomson officers. The cameras will replace a cache of 16 cameras purchased five years ago.

Chief Gale said the cameras help the department follow the guidelines of 21st Century Policing, a set of best practices aimed at helping agencies promote effective crime reduction while building public trust and safeguarding officer well-being. One of the pillars of 21st Century Policing encourages law enforcement personnel to embrace technological advancements to better serve their communities.

“I cannot overstate the importance of these cameras,” said Chief Gale. “They will be an integral part of both the daily routines of our officers and the safety of our residents.”

The DOJ award was part of more than $2.8 million in grants dispersed throughout the Southern District of Georgia.

“These grant awards will assist law enforcement agencies throughout the Southern District in our continued fight against violent crime, while also supporting communities and agencies allied in our efforts to improve the safety of our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Estes.

As part of their application for the grant, the Thomson department characterized the cameras as vital “technology to improve the safety of their citizens, provide more transparency to the community, enhance the safety of police officers, and increase the quality of evidence for local prosecutors.” Local leaders hope to have the new cameras in use by February 2023.

Chief Gale said she will establish a three-person implementation team to assist in the roll out of the cameras. Each team member will have roles and responsibilities assigned to them that include training officers, recording and retention of video evidence, and updating the current Standard Operating Procedures for worn-body cameras.

“I want to make sure our entire team has ‘buy-in’ to these cameras, that they are not just a required piece of their equipment,” she said. “I want everyone to understand their importance, usefulness and purpose.”