Wright Memorial Hospital donates body cameras to Trenton police

Trenton, Mo. — Wright Memorial Hospital CEO Gary Jordan recently presented Trenton Police Chief Tommy Wright with a check to purchase two body cameras for police officers to wear while on duty.

“We’re very grateful to the Trenton Police Department for all they do for us here at Wright Memorial, specifically in their assistance with our Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, and our forensic program,” Gary Jordan, Wright Memorial Hospital CEO, stated.

The SANE program provides a qualification for  nurses who have received special training to conduct sexual assault evidentiary exams for rape victims. SANEs are on call 24-hours a day. The Trenton police work hand-in-hand alongside Wright Memorial SANE-qualified nurses in sexual assault cases. Through the hospital’s forensic program, which includes SANE, Wright Memorial and the Trenton police also offer exams and resources to survivors of domestic violence, elder abuse, child abuse, and interpersonal violence. Since 2012, Wright Memorial and Trenton police have worked together on more than 47 cases.

“We really wanted to thank the Trenton police for everything they do—not only for us, but for the community,” Jordan said. “We believe that helping our police stay safe, by providing body cameras, is one way we can say thank you.”

“These cameras provide many benefits for our officers and for the community,” explained Chief Wright. “Among other reasons, the cameras provide accountability for our officers in addition to helping us provide proper and accurate evidence, and are especially beneficial in domestic violence cases.”

According to Chief Wright, the department currently has 12 cameras and is hoping to acquire another three to five cameras in the future. Persons wishing to help the Trenton Police Department purchase more cameras are encouraged to call Chief Wright at 660-359-5557.  

“We’re so thankful for the support from Wright Memorial Hospital and the rest of the community businesses and individuals who have donated cameras,” Chief Wright said. “The hospital has been great to work with, and we’re glad we have them for a community partner in fighting sexual assault and domestic violence.”