Palisades Park will roll out new cameras for police officers and cars

PALISADES PARK — Every officer and police cruiser in the borough will soon be outfitted with cameras. 

The Police Department has been slowly rolling out the new camera equipment over the past couple of weeks in a test phase.

A public forum will take place at Borough Hall on Thursday to address residents' concerns and answer any questions specifically on the body-worn cameras and in-car police cameras.  

"It's a matter of security for everyone — not only the cops but for the people," Borough Administrator David Lorenzo said. "This will eliminate any he-said, she-said. Cameras don't lie. It's best for everyone's protection."

The cameras were purchased at the end of last year under Officer-in-Charge Capt. Anthony Muccio using a bond with the borough that cost around $80,000.

Lorenzo said enough body-worn cameras were purchased for every officer to wear, and every police car will also get a camera. The borough is in the process of installing the equipment in the cars and will be finished in the next couple of weeks. 

The meeting, which will take place at 6 p.m., is meant to spread awareness so that every resident knows what is going on, Lorenzo said. 

The cameras are part of what officials see as a new era for the Police Department, that has borough officials pushing for a clean slate. 

In the past decade, the 37-officer force has had four chiefs and gone through a tumultuous time marked by suspensions, lawsuits and infighting. The problems date back even further, however — to the 1990s, when some officers, who had sworn to protect the town, were found to be running a police-led burglary ring that received national attention.  

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In the past year, the blame for a failed school security program fell on Chief Mark Jackson, who officially left the department Monday after 35 years with a $115,000 payout. 

The council appointed Muccio to lead the department until further notice. 

Jackson announced his retirement after the release of a scathing report that outlined a list of deficiencies in the department, including weak leadership and outdated internal affairs and disciplinary policies that violate state guidelines.

Kristie Cattafi is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: cattafi@northjersey.com Twitter: @KristieCattafi