New Jersey Bill Would Restrict Public Access to Police Bodycam Video
New Jersey lawmakers are considering a new bill, A-5631, sponsored by Assemblywoman Simmons, that would restrict public access to police body-worn camera video. The measure has been referred to the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee.
Supporters say bodycam footage often implicates the privacy of arrested individuals and that transparency must be balanced against personal dignity; opponents warn the bill would weaken public oversight of policing, the Jersey Vindicator reported on Oct. 18. Similar legislation surfaced in earlier sessions — in December 2023, Republican state Sen. Anthony Bucco proposed limiting release of arrest bodycam footage, and open-government advocates argued that blurring faces and other identifying features was a more moderate compromise. If enacted, New Jersey would become one of the few states limiting bodycam video disclosure. (GSM, via the Jersey Vindicator)
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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