Matt Lesser

Sen. Lesser, Rep. Turco and Rep. Farrar Welcome $37,221 for Body Worn Recording Equipment for Newington Police Department

HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), state Representative Gary Turco (D-Newington, New Britain) and state Representative Kate Farrar (D-Newington, West Hartford) applaud $37,221 reimbursement to the Newington Police Department for recording equipment approved by the State Bond Commission today. The bonding item reimburses 14 police departments across the state for the purchase of body cameras, dashboard cameras, and video storage devices.

“Body worn and dashboard cameras are an essential tool in ensuring public safety – both for first responders and for the communities they serve,” said Sen. Lesser. “I’m pleased that Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission have continued to prioritize their commitment to public safety by allocating these state funds to our municipalities and local police departments. I know how important this support is to Chief Clark and our Newington Department.”

“As a member of the Public Safety and Security Committee, I want to thank Governor Lamont and State Bond Commission for approving this funding for the Newington Police Department,” said state Rep. Gary Turco. “This funding is vital to ensure that the Newington Police can purchase the technology needed to improve the safety and security of our community every day.”

“The reimbursement provided by the State Bond Commission to the Newington Police Department for body cameras, dash cameras, and video storage devices is a welcome relief. These additional resources increase transparency, which benefits both officers and their communities,” said state Rep. Kate Farrar. “We greatly appreciate the dedication of the Newington Police Department and understand the importance of providing them with the necessary tools to continue their services.”

“Body cameras have been proven to provide both police and civilians with a valuable resource that benefits public safety, and I am glad that the state could partner with the Town of Newington to get this funding approved,” Governor Ned Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission, said.

This funding was authorized by Public Act 20-1 which passed on a bipartisan vote and allows municipalities to apply for reimbursement for the purchase of body-worn cameras, dashboard cameras, and video storage devices to archive footage.