Bipartisan bill would expand use of body cameras to all N.H. state police
A New Hampshire Department of Safety State Police vehicle. A bill would expand body camera to state troopers and other police departments. GEOFF FORESTER / Monitor file
Trooper Justin Wagner of the Vermont State Police wears a new body camera at the Williston, Vt., Barracks on Nov. 20, 2020. Body camera use is being expanded for the New Hampshire State Police. Adam Silverman / Vermont State Police
Published: 3/11/2021 2:14:53 PM
A plan to expand the use of body and dashboard cameras by law enforcement at all levels in New Hampshire is advancing with bipartisan support and minimal public opposition, despite the fact that some police leaders say the cameras aren’t necessary.
PORTSMOUTH Back when he applied for an officer position with the Portsmouth Police Department in 1995, Mark Newport had no thought of rising through the ranks or elevating himself to chief of police status.
“This was never in the plans. I really wasn’t even planning on being a police officer,” he said.
One month shy of celebrating 26 years serving the Port City community, alongside proudly holding the title of chief, Newport carries another badge of honor in his role serving as Portsmouth’s first Black chief of police.
He was approved for the top position in January after a few months serving as interim chief following the departure of Chief Robert Merner on Oct. 7.