House Bill 537 would require the majority of law enforcement officers to use body cameras during interactions with the public. The bill would provide $1 for every $5 departments spend on purchasing cameras and retaining the recordings.
A recent yearlong study completed by the Police Foundation, a think tank, found body-worn cameras reduced the amount of force police officers used by 50 percent and led to nearly 10 times fewer citizens’ complaints.
“The body-worn camera is a technology that has found its time,” said Rep. Edward Hanes Jr., a Democrat from Forsyth County and a primary sponsor of the bill, in an email.
Hanes said they have seen strong support from individual police departments and have been seeking support from the N.C. Sheriffs’ Association and the N.C. Law Enforcement Officers Association.
“The costs associated with storage are staggering. We’re just trying to protect these relationships through camera implementation and provide some financial assistance along the way,” Hanes said.
Earlier this year, UNC approved a $60,000 request for DPS to purchase the new cameras.
Randy Young, spokesman for DPS, said the department has been looking at body cameras since spring 2013.
“We have had dashboard cameras — body cameras are just an extension and enhance our record-keeping abilities. They increase accountability and transparency, and are effective for preserving evidence,” Young said.