State police out new taser, body camera technology
Connecticut State Police have some new tools they say will make things safer for both troopers and the people they encounter. Troopers showed us new body cameras, tasers, and training technology.
All this technology is part of a contract that allocates $120 million in state funds over the course of 10 years to modernize what state police use when policing. It is approved and in play through the governor’s budget. Upgrades include new tasers, virtual reality training technology, and advanced body cameras. Additionally, the package includes advanced drones, a better digital evidence management system, and better transcription tools to speed up Freedom of Information requests.
“This gives us time and distance when applicable,” said Trooper First Class Dale DeGaetano, when speaking about their new tasers.
Police say they’re 1,000 volts, a significant decrease from the traditional 40 to 50 thousand volts, and troopers they can deploy them from a further distance. The tasers make noise to warn that they’re being activated, and will keep more data, like when a trooper raises their hand with the taser. They also automatically turn on body cameras when activated.
State police tell us nearly all 800 to 900 of their troopers have officially transitioned to using the new tasers.
“It’s going to paint most accurate picture and leave very little ambiguity in the time frame that something happens,” DeGaetano said.
State police are also in the process of rolling out upgrades in body cameras as well. The new ones have the capability of translating 50 languages in real time.
Previously, State police say they would need to call dispatch or a language line to translate. Now, this tech can detect the language and speak back.
When officers aren’t in the streets, they are training. Wednesday, troopers showed us how they can practice using the tasers using new virtual reality simulators.
“We need repetitions in training, this gives us those repetitions,” said DeGaetano.
Over the years, the ACLU of Connecticut has called for higher transparency of policing. We have reached out to them for a comment on these upgrades to hear their thoughts and we are waiting to hear back.
From breaking news and local politics to art exhibitions, live music, high school sports, small businesses, and cultural events, we celebrate the people and places that make Connecticut unique.