For the past two and a half years, Officer Daniel Girard would get ready for his 16-hour shift by putting on his uniform, protective vest and badge. He's also donned a new tool over the past few weeks that could help increase the department’s transparency and allow for further evidence — a body camera.
The Mashpee Police Department implemented its body camera pilot program on Dec. 1. Officers who volunteered will wear body cameras during their shifts. After one year, the department will review the pilot program and decide whether to make body cameras permanent for all officers.
Mashpee is the first police department on the Cape to implement the use of body cameras.