Haverhill city officials and the police union have agreed to equip local officers with body cameras in an effort to improve accountability and public trust. The decision, announced Tuesday, follows a series of incidents within the Haverhill Police Department, including the death of Francis Gigliotti during a July arrest and the subsequent death of Officer Katelyn Tully, according to WCVB.
The city council unanimously approved the measure as part of efforts to increase transparency after months of scrutiny. NBC Boston reported that Mayor Melinda Barrett said the cameras will allow the department to monitor street activity and help protect officers from false claims. The initiative aims to rebuild trust with the community following a period of upheaval within the police department.
Negotiations over the body camera program reportedly took six months to complete. The Haverhill Police Patrolman Association, as reported by WCVB, expressed gratitude for reaching an agreement with support from Mayor Melinda Barrett, Police Chief Wayne Tracy, and the City Council. The association also emphasized that the cameras will serve as a tool for "modern policing," providing an accurate and unbiased record of officer interactions, as per WCVB.
Although a specific timeline for deploying the body cameras has not been set, city officials are working to secure grant funding for the program. Mayor Barrett expressed confidence in the department, noting that the cameras will complement its existing resources. The city plans to purchase and distribute the equipment within six months of receiving funding approval.
Review of Haverhill’s policing policies and past incidents is ongoing, with findings from an independent investigation into the former police chief expected soon. At the same time, the Essex County District Attorney’s Office continues its investigation into Gigliotti’s death, with no new updates currently available.
