HARTFORD, CT – State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) and the Norwalk state delegation announced today that the State Bond Commission is expected to approve $204,488 in state funding for body cameras and video storage devices for the Norwalk Police Department.
Norwalk is one of seven local police departments that will be receiving over $2.5 million in state bonding to reimburse body cameras and video storage.
“State government investments in Norwalk help relieve the burden on local taxpayers,” said Senator Duff. “The use of body cameras by law enforcement is crucial towards creating more transparency and trust between officers and the community. I would like thank Governor Lamont for supporting this funding for our community.”
“It is important that we do what we can to ensure our officers have the tools they need to keep themselves and our city safe,” said Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling. “I know from personal experience as a Police Officer, Chief of Police, and now Mayor, that there is a balance of needs and financial resources available. Thank you to Senator Bob Duff for advocating for the needs of our community in Hartford, and to the State Bond Commission for allocating these funds.”
“I am appreciative that Mayor Rilling and the Common Council moved this project forward early enough to make us eligible for state reimbursement,” said Norwalk Police Chief Thomas Kulhawik. “We are fortunate this money was made available. The state grant funds have allowed us to outfit every officer in the department with equipment that is beneficial not only to them but for the public they serve every day.”
“I am pleased to see funds allocated to help equip the NPD with body cameras for our police officers,” Rep. Dathan (D-Norwalk) said. “These devices have proven helpful as they provide transparency to both – officers and citizens. I am grateful to the governor for prioritizing this request and to our legislative delegation for our collective work.”
“Body cameras have proven to be an effective tool for improving safety for the public and law enforcement alike,” Rep. Simms (D-Norwalk) said. “I thank the governor for prioritizing this funding for Norwalk and look forward to this measure having a positive impact on officer-public relations.”
The State Bond Commission is scheduled to meet on April 2, 2019 at 10:30 am in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
