The
U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs’ (OJP) Bureau of
Justice Assistance (BJA) is working to develop a web-based toolkit for police
agencies adopting Body Worn Camera programs. Intended as a
clearinghouse for information and resources, the toolkit will provide guidance
and act as a model policy for law enforcement agencies across the United States.
On Friday, February 27, 2015, the BJA hosted the
Body-Worn Camera panel at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the West
Wing of the Whitehouse. Locally invited
panel members included representatives from the Hispanic American Police
Command Officers’ Association (HAPCOA), the United Black Police Officers’
Association (UBPOA) and the Hispanic National Law Enforcement Association
(HNLEA). Panel experts addressed a
number of professional, legal, and social issues related to the adoption of
Body-Worn Cameras. Other panel experts
from around the Country offered their experience and technical expertise to
ensure that a comprehensive toolkit could be assembled. National representatives include those from the
National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), American Civil
Liberties Union (ACLU), Chief of Police of Pittsburgh Police Department, Chief
of Police of New Orleans Police Department, National Association of Criminal
Defense Lawyers (NACDL), Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County
Sheriff, and other criminal justice partners.
UBPOA President Thomas Boone,
HAPCOA-NCR President Joe Perez
During
the panel discussion, BJA Director, Denise O’Donnell encouraged participants to
share their insights and experiences regarding the implementation and use of
body worn cameras. In particular, what lessons have been learned that
would assist agencies and advocates to implement their own body-worn camera
programs? What issues may agencies
encounter with regard to officer and citizen privacy rights? Where are there gaps in existing resources
that could be addressed through the body-worn camera toolkit?
Through
panel discussion the group was able to provide content
for the toolkit that will ensure transparency and diversity of perspective. All panel member participants were honored
for having been invited and appreciate the opportunity to be on the ground
floor with setting national police standards.
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