BUFFALO TWP — The township’s board of supervisors approved a five-year contract for public safety technology company Axon to provide body cameras, in-car cameras and updated Tasers for the township’s police department.

The contract was approved at the board’s monthly meeting Wednesday night, April 8.

Police Chief Tim Derringer said police department does not currently possess either body cameras or in-car cameras, and its current Tasers are out of date and in need of replacement. He said the total cost of acquiring the new technology is $178,000.

“Our current Tasers are expiring as far as their shelf life, and currently we have no body cameras or camera technology in our patrol cars,” Derringer said.

He added that having the cameras would improve transparency between the police department and the public, as well as help the township with potential liability issues.

“I think it’ll just eliminate any bad behavior, whether it be an officer or the general public. It just nips it right in the bud,” Derringer said. “I think it’s worth every penny.”

Last month, the board of supervisors approved the purchase of a new patrol car for the police department, after one of its cars was totaled in an accident.

To help offset the costs, the police department has received contributions and grants from various organizations, including the Butler County district sttorney’s office and the Freeport-based White Star Fraternal Society.

“It is expensive,” Derringer said. “But having nothing is very difficult, I think, for the municipality and the officers and the public.”