Dear Representatives,
Today I am writing regarding HB-2644, concerning the use of body worn cameras by law enforcement officers. It has been found that public trust in law enforcement is strengthened by transparency and accountability. Body worn cameras provide an objective record of law enforcement interactions to protect both officers and the public while aiding in accurate investigations and judicial proceedings. Because of this legislature intends to establish a uniform statewide standard requiring all law enforcement officers to activate their body worn cameras during all law enforcement encounters and responses to incidents, ensuring continuous and reliable recordings of public interactions.
- If this bill is agreed upon, it would become valid on July 1, 2027.
- Recordings must be kept for 90 days.
- In the case of use of force by a law enforcement officer, an arrest or detention, or a complaint or investigation involving a law enforcement officer’s conduct, recordings must be kept for 3 years.
- Unauthorized access, alteration, or deletion of body worn camera recordings is prohibited and subject to disciplinary action by the employing law enforcement agency, in addition to any other penalties provided under state law.
- All law enforcement agencies must have updated all their policies in order to be able to fulfill their capabilities to follow these requirements by July 1,2027.
- A civilian who is subject to an incident involving an officer, has the right to a copy of the video of the body cam footage, unless it goes against any state law.
I believe that this bill will help in the process of keeping civilians and law enforcement officers more safe. I urge you to vote YES. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Summer D Clemenson
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