HB146

1000%

This policy makes sense. Ensuring citizens have access to body-camera footage in case of legal action regarding a traffic stop is common-sense, and does not create any undue burden on law enforcement agencies. This policy strikes me as simple, effective, and good for New Hampshire, and I would like to see it become law.

I support this bill requiring law enforcement to preserve and disclose body cam footage for motor vehicle stops when requested. This bill promotes safety, transparency, and accountability for both officers and the public — and especially for the black and brown members of our community who are disproportionately impacted by traffic stops. By ensuring that footage is accessible, we can build trust between local law enforcement and the community while ensuring fair treatment for all citizens.

Police officers are public servants first and foremost, underscoring the Protect and Serve mindset that they adopt when training for and accepting their role and responsibility. With this in mind, the lack of accountability of police officers has negatively impacted our low-income, and communities of color in our state. Requiring that body cam footage be preserved will off set this, by creating the opportunity for inappropriate actions by police officers towards the public to be remediated. I support this bill, and I encourage the committee to as well.

Bodycam footage is essential in holding law enforcement accountable to fulfilling their duty of conducting safe and ethical traffic stops. Additionally, by preserving bodycam footage, law enforcement will be provided with film to look back upon and learn from, becoming more skilled at their jobs. For these reasons, I support HB146.