Require Body Worn Cameras for All Ramapo Police Officers

We the residence of the town of Rampo call on the Ramapo Police Department and the Town of Ramapo to immediately fund and implement body worn cameras for all sworn police officers. Body worn cameras are now a nationwide standard in modern policing. They protect officers from false allegations, protect residents during police encounters, and provide objective evidence when complaints or disputes arise. Departments across the country, including those with far smaller budgets, have already adopted this basic accountability tool. According to the Town of Ramapo’s adopted 2026 budget, the police department employs 110 sworn officers and spends approximately $18.95 million per year on sworn officer salaries, with an average salary of about $172,000 per officer. The department’s total police budget exceeds $47 million annually. Despite this, no funding is allocated for body-worn cameras. Without body worn cameras, investigations into police conduct rely solely on conflicting accounts. This lack of independent documentation undermines transparency and public trust, and leaves both officers and civilians vulnerable when disputes occur. The absence of body worn cameras is not a cost issue. It is a policy choice. Even a comprehensive body-camera program would represent a small fraction of the department’s annual budget and could reduce long term costs related to complaints and litigation. ⸻ What We Are Asking For We respectfully request that the Town of Ramapo Fund body worn cameras for all sworn officers Establish clear policies for camera use, activation, and retention Provide a public timeline for implementation Transparency strengthens public trust and protects everyone involved. Closing Line A police department with a $47 million annual budget can and should meet modern standards of accountability. Body worn cameras are no longer optional, they are essential. Body worn cameras are now a nationwide standard in modern policing. They protect officers from false allegations, protect residents during police encounters, and provide objective evidence when complaints or disputes arise. Departments across the country, including those with far smaller budgets, have already adopted this basic accountability tool. Without body worn cameras, investigations into police conduct rely solely on conflicting accounts. This lack of independent documentation undermines transparency and public trust, and leaves both officers and civilians vulnerable when disputes occur. The absence of body worn cameras is not a cost issue. It is a policy choice. Even a comprehensive body-camera program would represent a small fraction of the department’s annual budget and could reduce long term costs related to complaints and litigation. Transparency strengthens public trust and protects everyone involved. A police department with a $47 million annual budget can and should meet modern standards of accountability. Body worn cameras are no longer optional, they are essential.