Police officers in Haverhill, Massachusetts, will soon be equipped with body cameras following a unanimous vote by the city council Tuesday night.
City leaders say the move is aimed at increasing transparency and rebuilding public trust after months of turmoil within the Haverhill Police Department.
The vote approves an agreement between the city and the Police Patrolman Association Group to obtain body-worn cameras for officers. City officials say the technology had been under consideration prior to recent events, but took on new urgency following a series of crises.
“We will be able to see what’s happening on the street, it will protect officers from claims of abuse,” said Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett.
The decision comes six months after the death of Francis Gigliotti while he was being restrained by seven Haverhill police officers. The death was ruled a homicide, though no criminal charges have been filed.
“I will say that I wish we did have them that day, because I believe they would have exonerated our officers,” said City Councilor Ralph Basiliere.
Months later, the department was shaken again by the sudden death of Officer Katelyn Tully, one of the seven officers involved in the Gigliotti case. Her sister said Tully died of a stress-induced heart attack.
Soon after, Haverhill Police Chief Robert Pistone resigned after being placed on leave. His successor was also removed following a vote of no confidence by the police union, further deepening instability within the department.
City councilors said body cameras are part of a broader effort to improve transparency and repair relationships with the community.
“This will aid in helping to rebuild community relations,” said City Councilor Melissa Lewandowski.
Barrett emphasized her confidence in the department, saying the cameras will serve as an additional tool for both officers and the public.
“We have one of the best police departments in the state,” the mayor said. “I think this just adds to their quiver of equipment and training that will help the community at large, it will help them, and we’ll all be safer.”
The city is currently working to secure grant funding to pay for the cameras. Once funding is approved, officials say the department will have six months to purchase and distribute the equipment.
The mayor also said results from an independent investigation into the former police chief are expected within weeks.
The Essex County District Attorney’s Office has not provided an update on its ongoing investigation into Gigliotti’s death.
