SEPTA transit police testing wearable camera technology

This week, SEPTA police officers began testing wearable cameras that will document their interactions with the public.

Sharing a demonstration video taken on the 13th Street subway concourse, SEPTA officers said three patrol cops will try out multiple camera models over the next 60 days.

SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel says he hopes the cameras will make it less necessary for officers to use force as well as provide an objective record that can be consulted when investigating complaints against transit cops.

“It has tremendous value on paper and now we want to experiment and see if that value comes to fruition,” he explained.

The officers will be able to take photographs and video using the cameras, which cost anywhere from $300 of $1,500.

Before purchasing them for the entire force, the agency wants to determine how unwieldy — or not — it will be to store and use all of the video produced.

While cameras mounted in police cruisers has become commonplace, cameras for those on foot patrol is newer.  Some jails and prisons are experimenting with having corrections officers wearing cameras