KINSTON, N.C. (WITN) – The Kinston Police Department is rolling out new equipment, including body-worn cameras and patrol cars equipped with in-car cameras, as part of the department’s $10.2 million budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
The budget increased from $9.4 million the previous year, with the increase, mainly in the budget’s $1.2 million Total Capital Outlay category, allowing the department to reintroduce in-car cameras to patrol vehicles.
Police Chief Keith Goyette said the upgrades were long overdue.
“Sometimes you put things in for the budget, they get kicked back for different reasons, but finally this year we were able to get those included in there,” Goyette said.
The chief said the community requested the in-car cameras.
“We had city council forums where people would come and say, you know, we want in-car cameras. On social media, people would put in there that they want in-car cameras in the police cars,” Goyette said.
The in-car camera systems, purchased from Axon, include a dash cam and a backseat camera being installed in 20 patrol vehicles, including 10 new vehicles purchased through budget funding. The cameras automatically begin recording once an officer switches on their police lights.
“It’s gonna be extremely helpful for us. You know were actually able to review those cameras full-time, live-time, if need be,” Goyette said.
Every officer will also receive a new body-worn camera with advanced features.
“There are alarms on their cameras, depending on what types of noises, depending on speed of the vehicle, depending on different triggers,” Goyette said.
Goyette said the upgrades are designed to provide protection for both police and residents.
“We understand that it’s expensive, but we want to protect our citizens, wanna protect our officers, and want to have the best equipment we can have,” Goyette said.
The budget breakdown includes $5 million for Total Personal Services, $2 million for Total Fringe Benefits, and $1.8 million for Total Operating Expenses.
The equipment rollout began Monday with four vehicles already on the streets. The department hopes to complete installation by the end of the week.
A full look at their budget can be found here.
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