Bray body camera bill passes full Senate

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

INDIANAPOLIS -- A police body camera recordings bill, sponsored by District 37 State Sen. Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville), was approved by the full Indiana Senate Monday by a vote of 49-1.

Sen. Rodric Bray

House Bill 1019 outlines which recordings would be accessible to the public while providing guidance to law enforcement agencies for how long they would be required to store these videos. The bill would also place the burden of proof on a law enforcement agency to allow for more openness and transparency.

The bill now requires video to be released if an alleged victim said it showed excessive force or rights violations. The changes also shift the burden to law enforcement to prove in court that releasing the video would harm someone or hinder an investigation.

Bray said shifting that burden alleviates pressure from media organizations that bashed the original bill, saying it would put too much burden on the public to hold police accountable. He said releasing the videos when police come under scrutiny "might show that there was excessive force or it might show that there is not excessive force."

"House Bill 1019 balances law enforcement interests, the public's right to know and privacy rights of the individuals depicted in these videos," Sen. Bray said. "This bill is a much-needed update to our laws to keep pace with this new technology, and I look forward to further discussion on the issue."

The legislation allows law enforcement to obscure items in the videos like personal medical information and undercover officers or confidential informants.

Law enforcement agencies could also deny release of the video if it would impact an ongoing investigation.

The bill will now move back to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

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