By Domenic Poli

MONTAGUE >> A loss control grant will equip the Montague Police Department with five body cameras that monitor and record calls and traffic stops.

Police Chief Chip Dodge said the cameras will help protect the safety of his officers and the public and likely cut down on false allegations and frivolous lawsuits filed against Montague.

The $4,535 in grant money comes from the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), Montague’s property and casualty insurance provider.

As part of its commitment to safety and controlling costs, the Town of Montague was awarded a $4,535 loss control grant for five police-worn body cameras. Montague received the grant from the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), which provides property and casualty insurance to the town.

The cameras will enable accurate monitoring and recording of calls and traffic stops – helping to protect the safety of officers and local residents, as well as safeguard the town against false allegations and frivolous lawsuits.

 According to Montague Police Chief Chip Dodge,” I was very excited to have received the funding to purchase these Body Worn Cameras. Several Officers had expressed an interest in wearing one while on duty but the cost prevented me from being able to purchase them. When I found the announcement for this grant I applied for it immediately. I knew this may be our only opportunity to purchase the cameras. It didn’t take long to be notified by MIIA that we were approved. After doing some research I chose to purchase the body cameras from a company called Watch Guard. They had what I believed to be the best Body Worn Cameras out there. With the funding I had received from MIIA I was able to purchase 5 Watch Guard VISTA HD POLICE BODY CAMERAS. Det. Sgt. Lee Laster was assigned the task of putting the cameras into operation. Since these cameras were put on line I have heard so many positive comments about them from the officers who have been wearing them. Even better, some of the officers who didn’t originally have an interest in wearing a Body Camera are now starting to show an interest. I would like to Thank MIIA for accepting my grant request and allowing me to purchase these very valuable pieces of equipment for my department and I would also like to Thank Watch Guard for making the selection and purchase process extremely easy.”

 MIIA awards loss control grants to its member municipalities to fund equipment purchases and implement training programs that address safety and loss prevention issues. These proactive efforts help protect the town, its employees and citizens by avoiding accidents and potentially costly claims.

The Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association is the non-profit insurance arm of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. As a member-based organization, MIIA’s only focus is to provide excellent service and quality risk management solutions to Massachusetts municipalities and related public entities. MIIA insures nearly 400 cities, towns, and other public entities in Massachusetts. For more information please visit www.emiia.org and www.mma.org.