SUNY Canton University Police Adopt Body Cameras

Canton, NY (09/19/2019) — SUNY Canton University Police officers have begun wearing body cameras during their campus patrols this semester.

As part of a trial deployment, the department recently purchased two Watchguard Vista cameras capable of recording both audio and video. The eventual goal is to acquire six units, allowing each officer to employ the new technology, according to Alan P. Mulkin, Chief of University Police.

"We consulted with students and decided the time was right to implement body-worn cameras," Mulkin said. "They will be an important tool for both our officers and the community we serve. This will help us create overall transparency and aid in community relations."

Each officer will begin their shift by checking out one of the cameras and will use them to record contacts with the public while performing their official duties. At the end of their shifts, the cameras will be returned and securely downloaded to a central server.

Officers will complete a training program on the use and operation of the devices. SUNY Canton is home of the Center for Criminal Justice, Intelligence and Cybersecurity and the David Sullivan-St. Lawrence County Law Enforcement Academy. Mulkin said body cameras will also be used to train future cadets.

"This technology is increasingly becoming a standard piece of police equipment," he said. "There are many benefits of body-worn cameras. Footage from the cameras is used in documenting police involvement, can provide corroborating evidence and lead to increased civility between citizens and police."

Some students have already added their support for the new strategy. Jasmine J. Dickson of Brooklyn, president of the college's Black Student Union, met with University Police to discuss implementation.

"As a student leader, I see body cameras as a huge accomplishment for SUNY Canton," Dickson said. "I believe they will increase respect, trust and safety for both students and police. I am extremely excited to see this growth within SUNY Canton."

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in digital design, engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. As SUNY's leader in online education, SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 18 online degree programs. The college placed first in 14 categories in a SUNY-Wide Student Opinion Survey, most notably in career services, tutoring, library resources, and classroom facilities. The college's 15 traditional athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level as part of the North Atlantic Conference. SUNY Canton also offers varsity esports and cheerleading. For more information, visit www.canton.edu.

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