Sharpsburg seeks grant to help with purchase of police body cameras

Sharpsburg police Chief Tom Stelitano is hoping the acquisition of body cameras will improve community relations and potentially offer a glimpse into the daily life of his officers.

“Hopefully they can shine a light on what police officers deal with on a daily basis,” Stelitano said.

The borough is purchasing 11 body cameras. The cost is about $25,000.

Council on Sept. 24 approved an application for about half of the total through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s grant program.

If approved, the grant would require a $12,500 match from borough dollars.

Manager Bill Rossey said the application is due Oct. 15. He said there could be other money available to help the borough pay its half through the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office.

Stelitano believes the cameras will benefit his officers as well as residents. They will show the interactions police have each day with all members of the community, he said.

“I encourage all of my officers to interact with the juveniles in the borough when they can, whether they stop at the fields or the basketball courts, etc.,” Stelitano said.

“With everything going on in the world today, I believe body cameras can only help us moving forward,” he said.

Officer Brian Hoebel said the new equipment will prove to be invaluable.

“I want them,” he said. “I think they will enhance our ability of better prosecution, and they can protect our officers from wrongful claims of misconduct.”