Body camera for police?

On Tuesday, March 22, the senate will consider HB617, which will require state police to wear a camera when interacting with the public. If passed, the bill would also exempt “such recordings from the wiretapping and eavesdropping statute and, under certain circumstances, from the right-to-know law.”

In many towns, including Bethlehem and Milton among others, police departments already use body cameras. In light of the upcoming hearing, State Police Assistant Commissioner Early Sweeney said various troops around the state will field-test three body cameras in the next few weeks.

While President Obama has proposed to pay for 50,000 cameras nationwide, it is yet unknown whether any of that money would go to New Hampshire.

Supporters argue that body cameras would increase accountability amongst police departments and the public and help to avoid “he said, she said” scenarios. Others suggest body cameras will deter police misconduct and reduce the likelihood for fatal shootings, such as the one that occurred in Ferguson, Missouri.

Opponents cite cost and storage of the video as major concerns, while others contend the issues body camera advocates hope to address would be better approached through improving training for police officers. Some also express concerns over the privacy of those being videotaped.

UPDATE: Read our Citizen Voices℠ report and find out where New Hampshire stands on this issue.