BELCHERTOWN — Before police officers began their patrols on July 19, each officer clipped on one of the 23 fully charged body cameras sitting on a docking station, officially launching the department’s body-worn camera program that aims to improve accountability and transparency.

“The deployment of these cameras is a critical step in enhancing the documentation of interactions between officers and the public, ensuring accurate accounts of incidents and promoting a higher standard of conduct within our ranks,” the department said in a statement.

Officers are required to wear body cameras on all patrol and extra-duty shifts. Once the cameras are back in their docking station, data and footage from the cameras uploads to the 144-terabyte data storage system.

Body camera footage is stored for a minimum of six months, with arrests, uses of force and felony investigations held for 37 months. Any instance involving death or sexual assault is held indefinitely.

“The presence of cameras may encourage more professional behavior from both officers and the public, leading to better overall interactions and improved community relations,” Police Chief Kevin Pacunas said. “The camera recordings give an objective account in situations where there may be conflicting narratives, which can help prevent misunderstandings and tensions.”

Law Enforcement Body-Worn Camera Program awarded the Belchertown Police Department $58,705 in November to outfit each of the 23 officers with body cameras and fund the agency’s in-network data storage system for the camera footage. Both the cameras and the 144-terabyte server are provided by Axis Communications.

Pacunas said the officers support the new body-worn camera program. The department acquired cruiser cameras in 2008, so officers are already familiar with recording devices on patrol. Training and setup of the cameras went smoothly, according to Pacunas.

“The officers have done a great job integrating the body cameras into their daily routine, much like other essential gear they carry. They value the benefits these cameras offer along with making sure they adhere to our department policy,” he said.

Emilee Klein can be reached at eklein@gazettenet.com.