Stoneham Police Body-Worn Cameras Go Live Backed by $250,000 State Grant

STONEHAM -- March 25, 2024, Stoneham police body-worn cameras went live last week, funded entirely by a $250,000 state grant. Chief O'Connor told the Select Board at its March 25 meeting that the Healey-Driscoll administration grant covers hardware, software, and storage through a five-year period, with replacement cameras included at year three, and that the program cost taxpayers approximately $1,200 per year in costs the grant does not cover. O'Connor credited Lieutenant Chris Apolakis for the grant writing, Lieutenant Dave Thistle and Detective Mike Kaladi for policy development, and Sergeant Mike DeCrodo for overseeing the rollout, noting that other police chiefs have already called asking to copy Stoneham's policy. Ongoing storage costs after year five are estimated at roughly $30,000 annually. The board also approved the May 26 Memorial Day Parade route, accepted a $3,662 anonymous donation for town auditorium curtain replacement, and approved two one-day liquor licenses. Two board members, Heidi and George, offered farewell remarks ahead of the April 1 town election.