Pine Plains police to test real-time translation software for body cameras

PINE PLAINS — Town officials announced that the police department will begin testing new translation and transcription software designed to help officers communicate more effectively with non-English speakers and improve efficiency in writing reports.

The software package — developed by body camera and electric stun gun manufacturer Axon — includes translation tools that interpret conversations in real time using the microphones and speakers in state-mandated body cameras. That technology would allow officers to communicate with people who can’t speak English without the use of a cellphone app, which officials said can be unreliable in areas with poor reception.

Sergeant Steven Camburn said he wanted at least two board members to view a live demonstration of the technology from Axon representatives, though a date for the demonstration has not yet been set.

Councilwoman Jeanine Sisco opened the invitation to community members, saying that interested volunteers could reach out to town board members or Camburn by email if they would like to attend.

Camburn outlined some of the benefits of the tools. The translation tools would eliminate cellphone translation apps, which he said were cumbersome and inconvenient in the field. Transcription tools aid in writing police reports, improving officers’ efficiency and accuracy, Camburn said.

“It will write the report pretty much more accurately than we can,” Camburn said.

The software would be provided through a 30-day trial with no money down and no commitments, Camburn told the board and residents in attendance.

After a brief description of the software, Camburn took questions from a capacity audience. More than 50 people filled Town Hall for the meeting in anticipation of further statements from the Town Board on a controversial proposed surveillance system in the town.

Community members sought clarification as to who has access to body camera footage and transcripts from officers’ interactions. Camburn said the data is only accessed on a case-by-case basis and every action is tracked. Axon and outside agencies cannot access the footage, he said.

“Axon is a closed system,” Camburn said. “They don’t sell anything.”