Norwalk Police roll out Axon body cameras with live translation feature

The Norwalk Police Department told its Police Commission on Jan. 26 that it has deployed new Axon body cameras with a live translation feature and completed department‑wide training in December.

"The body cam can automatically detect what language is being spoken by the individual and translates it to spoken English for the officer," Deputy Chief Dennhill said during the community policing and training report, adding that the officer's English response can be simultaneously translated back to the person's native language. Dennhill said department testing showed the capability is "unbelievably reliable and quick."

Deputy Chief Lepore confirmed the body‑camera roll‑out was performed as part of a contractual hardware upgrade with Axon and said activation rates for December were 83.5% with an overall department average near 85%. The department also noted the new VIPER 911 platform had been fully implemented in December, a system the chief said provides text translation from 911 callers and a live video feed capability for dispatchers.

Commissioners asked how the translation tool performs in real time; Dennhill said tests were positive and that refresher training on body‑cam usage will continue annually. The commission received the update; no formal action was taken at the meeting.