PORT NECHES — The Port Neches Police Department kicked off its body-worn camera program Wednesday.

Port Neches Police Chief Paul Lemoine issued a statement regarding the new program.

“In January 2016, the Criminal Justice Division of the Governor’s Office selected our agency for a body-worn camera grant,” Lemoine said. “Funds from this grant were used to purchase body-worn cameras that will equip 14 uniform patrol officers and supervisors. The body-worn camera program will serve as a tool in a law enforcement comprehensive problem-solving approach to enhance officer interactions with the public, build community trust and gather important evidence for use in the prosecution of crimes.”

Prior to the implementation, the department had to develop a policy that ensures the cameras are activated for law enforcement purposes only, guidelines on when to activate, privacy concerns, data retention, open records guidelines, supervisory review and that the adopted policy is consistent with Federal and Texas rules of evidence. Additionally, all officers and support personnel that will come into contact with the video and audio data to complete a training program approved by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

“The program demonstrates our commitment to providing the highest level of police services to the citizens of Port Neches,” he said. “It is an honor to serve our community and we thank our citizens for their continued support of our police department.”