BILL NUMBER: S8511

SPONSOR: SANDERS
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to requiring that certain
New York state police vehicles be equipped with a dashboard camera

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To enhance police officer safety and increase community trust through
transparency.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 of the bill amends the Executive Law by adding a new section
212-a to require each motor vehicle operated by the state police in
connection with the patrol of the state's roadways, the prevention of
investigation and crimes, or the preparation for and response to emer-
gencies and disasters be equipped with a dashboard camera.

              

Section 2 is the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

New York remains one of only five states where the primary law enforce-
ment agency is not equipped with dashboard cameras, according to a
nationwide Associated Press survey. While use of dashboard cameras is
common, most state law enforcement agencies do not have body cameras.

Law enforcement experts strongly support the use of police cameras,
arguing that the technology can increase transparency and benefit both
officers and citizens. Body camera footage has been used in other states
to clear police officers' accused of wrongdoing, as an effective inves-
tigative tool, and for training purposes to better prepare police offi-
cers for interactions with citizens.  This legislation will enhance
police officer safety and increase community trust through transparency.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the
date upon which it shall have become law. Effective immediately the
addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary
for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized
to be made and completed on or before such date.