North Carolina Sheriff Police Alliance Issues Statement on Body Cam Legislation | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    The new Body Camera Law, HB 972, all but eliminates the typical political agendas of different politicians and narrative movement groups. With the different steps incorporated in the law, it allows for a more consistent approach across all law enforcement agencies in the state. It allows individuals in the video or their family to request to view the video through the involved law enforcement agency. HB 972 as written gives the affected law enforcement agency the ability to approve or deny the request. HB 972 allows for the family to respond to the next authority if a returned response is not made within three days or the request is denied. Individual(s) in the video or their family can ask the court to decide if they can watch the video. Even if it goes to the next level for view there is no financial charges for the process therefore giving everyone involved access to the system of review. At this point access will be granted or denied by the court. Law enforcement agencies can also file a request with the court to release a video if there is reasonable justification to do so. Compelling public interest can be one such reason. Another reason could be seeking release to retain evidence in a current court proceeding or potential court proceeding(s). If the court finds there is a compelling reason to release all portions of the video / recording they can release the video.

    This law clearly protects the integrity of the video and the participants involved in the incidents related to law enforcement and the public's interest. It applies policies and promotes transparency without political associations and special interest group interventions.

    The integrity of every law enforcement officer we represent first and foremost starts with the officers wearing the badge every day and night. Through continuing law changes, where they are needed, such as the new Body Camera Law HB 972, law enforcement in this state can serve the public through an air of transparency. It transparency in law enforcement's handling of critical incidents that will foster public trust throughout our communities. It is our belief that HB 972 can provide this conduit through its balanced approach across all of law enforcement in North Carolina.

    Officers apply their training and skills not for the minimal pay and benefits, but for the desire they each have to work to provide the communities with a safe and comfortable environment to work and live in. As law enforcement is not a static profession, our future generations depend on the guidelines we as a state establish now to withstand our greatest challenges since the 1970s. HB 972 will aid and assist the future generations of all officers and at the same time protect the best interests of all of our citizens.

    The North Carolina Sheriff Police Alliance and its members along with law enforcement across the state of North Carolina appreciates the leadership Governor Pat McCrory has demonstrated with the Body Cam Legislation.

• Contact: Andy Miller
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