Essay
HF1833 Bill Essay
Senator Bergner
Release of peace officer recordings from portable recording systems required when there is deadly force.
PROS:
This bill would require police officers and police organizations to release body cam or dash cam footage if deadly force is used. This data would be made public if one would request it to be. This data would be released within five business days. The request can be denied if, “the investigating agency requests and can articulate a compelling reason as to why.” Having access to police body cam and dashcam footage will help insure accountability within police organizations. It may also incentivize police to refrain from using deadly force unless necessary.
https://kustomsignals.com/blog/why-quick-public-release-of-police-camera-footage-is-important
https://www.forcescience.com/2024/01/bodycam-videos-and-honest-accountability/
CONS:
There are some concerns over privacy with this bill. For instance, ProCon.org states, “police body cameras invade the privacy of citizens, potentially exposing victims and subjecting citizens to facial recognition software.” Furthermore, release of footage involving individuals in a mental health crisis may expose information/footage that the individual doesn’t want released. Also, there is concerns that even having police wear bodycams effects their mental health. Again, according to ProCon.org, “the use of police body cameras may be psychologically damaging to officers because “nobody does well to be under constant surveillance.”
https://www.procon.org/headlines/police-body-cameras-top-3-pros-and-cons/
https://www.axon.com/resources/police-body-cam