Fl House Bill Would Require Police Body Cameras
BY BUDDY NEVINS
State Rep. Shevrin Jones, D-West Park, has filed a bill which would require all Florida police to wear body cameras while on patrol.
State Rep. Shevrin Jones
Jones’ proposal (HB 57) states:
“Every uniformed law enforcement officer in this state who is primarily assigned to patrol duties shall be equipped with a body camera while performing such duties. The camera shall be used by the officer to record activities that take place during motor vehicle stops or other law enforcement actions taken during the course of his or her official duties.”
A body camera is defined as:
“a device that is worn by a law enforcement officer that electronically records audio and video of his or her activities.”
The bill, which will be considered during the 2015 legislative session, was filed amid nationwide debate over the use of force by police officers in the wake of fatal incidents in Ferguson Missouri and Staten Island, New York.
December 4th, 2014 at 3:07 pm
Great work, Shev! Now you need to figure out who’s going to pay for it. Great idea, but the money, my friend – that’s going to be your battle. Good work again, Shev!
December 4th, 2014 at 3:36 pm
This is certainly and interesting idea. But does the bill provide funding for this? If not, this is a huge unfunded mandate for cities.
December 4th, 2014 at 4:00 pm
This is an important reform that Florida should enact immediately. But because we now have a Republican House, a Republican Senate, and a scumbag Republican Governor who should be in prison and not the Governor’s Mansion, this bill has little or no chance of ever making it through the FloriDUH legislative process.
December 4th, 2014 at 6:50 pm
This is the most stupid thing I have ever heard. So, when the cops come into your house, they record it, now everything you own is PUBLIC RECORD. Really stupid idea.
December 5th, 2014 at 3:35 am
http://www.npr.org/2011/11/07/142016109/smile-youre-on-cop-camera
While police videos are generally considered public records, in practice, they’re often difficult to obtain. Most cities refuse to turn over footage that is part of an investigation, and some are now instituting restrictions based on privacy concerns.
For example, Oakland will no longer turn over videos of traffic stops in which the officer’s camera captures an image of a driver’s license or insurance card. Department officials say they’d like to release the video with the private data blacked out, but they say they don’t have the necessary video editing gear.
December 5th, 2014 at 8:01 am
Maybe we should. have. Body camaras for politicians. that be interesting
December 5th, 2014 at 7:07 pm
Body cams for politicians is the BEST IDEA I have ever heard. Bravo, bravo, bravo. Let’s see how quickly this disappears.
December 5th, 2014 at 9:25 pm
I would vote for, support, lobby for, encourage, and fund body cams for politicians. Hypocrites. No more dirty deals when filmed. Maybe we could get honest politicians in Broward if they had to wear body cams. Just imagine the possibilities. I love it.
December 6th, 2014 at 9:32 pm
Body cameras would put defense lawyers out of business.
December 7th, 2014 at 3:09 pm
@Funny
you are right and that is why the fort ldle electeds will never allow them on flpd personnel
but if Tallahassee makes it law, the ‘home rule’ card won’t work