Pennsylvania State Police troopers patrolling the Lehigh Valley, Bucks County and all other parts of Pennsylvania are now equipped with body-worn cameras.

The statewide rollout, which began as a pilot program in 2023 and had been under discussion for years, was completed weeks ahead of schedule, Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris said Thursday.

In addition to the body-worn cameras, vehicle-mounted recorders in more than 1,400 patrol vehicles have been upgraded.

“Our ability to maintain efficient operations relies heavily on the trust placed in us by the communities we serve,” said Paris. “With the completion of our body-worn camera rollout, we aim to strengthen that trust by documenting our public interactions and demonstrating our commitment to transparency, accountability and respectful police services.”

The state police have outfitted more than 3,000 troopers from 89 stations within 16 troops with the cameras.

The department has 2,000 body-worn cameras, which will be shared among troopers based on shifts. Each station will have enough extra cameras to accommodate additional need.

The upgraded vehicle-mounted recorders provide a wider range of view than previous cameras that were in use for many years, officials said.

Troopers said the body-worn cameras and vehicle-mounted video recorders enhance evidence collection at traffic crash and crime scenes by capturing actions, conditions and statements in real time.

Paris said the footage will improve report preparation and court testimony.

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced that patrol troopers at every station across the Commonwealth are now equipped with body-worn cameras to record their public interactions. (Credit: PA Internet News Service)

The department entered a five-year contract with Arizona-based Axon to provide the cameras, software and infrastructure. The Daily Item reported last year that the contract is valued at nearly $42 million, with options for renewal.

Troopers underwent training in preparation for the new technology, officials said.

Paris thanked the legislature and Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro for their support of the program.

“In today’s environment, body cameras are essential equipment,” said State Sen. Dan Laughlin, a Republican from Erie County. “They ensure a professional response from our officers and lead to more peaceful interactions when a suspect knows their interactions are being recorded.”

“Body-worn cameras ensure accountability, transparency, and help build trust with our communities,” said State Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, the Democratic chairperson of the Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee. “Further, they may act as a valuable training tool, and supplement to in-court testimony. This is a great step for PSP, and I am grateful for their service.”

Paris told reporters at a Harrisburg press conference that the recorded video will be centralized and the state police are still determining the amount of data that will be used.

Tom Sofield is the editor and publisher of LevittownNow.com, NewtownPaNow.com and the New Hope Free Press.