Cobleskill Police officers are now carrying body-worn cameras in their daily operations and interactions with the public.
"We saw the need and the benefit of having officers equipped with body-worn cameras in early 2014," said Police Chief Rich Bialkowski.
The shootings in Ferguson, Missouri and New York City emphasized the need for the cameras, he added.
"We were able to obtain several body-worn cameras and began testing them over the summer in different scenarios and under various circumstances," Chief Bialkowski said.
"Once we tested them, we were convinced that they would be a great benefit to the department."
The department obtained enough body-worn cameras to equip every patrol officer and patrol supervisor, along with the department's investigator.
All officers received training before putting the cameras into use.
Currently, most of an officer's daily interactions with the public are recorded, including arrests, investigations, accidents, searches and traffic stops, among others.
The body-worn cameras are a supplement to the department's in-car mobile recording systems, which officers will also continue to use.
The body-worn cameras are capable of taking audio and video recordings as well as images.
Typically worn on the front of an officer's vest, the body-worn cameras can record in light or dark situations.
The cameras offer increased evidence collection and documentation capabilities during arrests, searches, incidents and investigations.
They offer transparency and accountability on department operations and officer interactions with the public.
The cameras safeguard the department officers against false complaints of misconduct, and at the same time, they may be used as an aid to evaluate officers' actions when complaints do arise.
The cameras will also be useful when complaints do arise.
The cameras were obtained at no cost to the village by the use of STOP DWI funds and drug seizure funds.
"As a department, the use of technology to aid in our mission of delivering professional law enforcement services in a cost-effective manner is something that will continue to explore and utilize to the best of our ability in order to most benefit Cobleskill," Chief Biekowski said.
"My hope is that using the body-worn cameras will assist in enhancing public trust and confidence in what we do."