Body-worn cameras (BWCs) are increasingly being used by law enforcement agencies across the United States to enhance public trust, transparency, and accountability. In this regard, the state of New Jersey has enacted policies governing the use of BWCs by police officers. This blog post delves into the details of the NJ Body Worn Camera Policy and discusses its implications for both law enforcement officers and the general public.

Introduction

In 2021, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation requiring all uniformed patrol officers to wear body-worn cameras (BWCs) while on duty. This move was aimed at enhancing transparency, building trust within communities, and providing an unbiased account of police interactions with individuals.

Additionally, the New Jersey Attorney General, through Directive 2021-5, issued updated guidelines for the use and implementation of BWCs by law enforcement agencies. With the rollout of BWCs now mandatory, understanding the nuances of the NJ BWC policy has become crucial for both law enforcement officers and the public.

Key Components of the NJ Body Worn Camera Policy

When to Use BWCs

According to the NJ policy, BWCs should be activated during various situations, such as:

Traffic stops

Arrests

Use of force incidents

Suspicious person stops

Mental health crises

Domestic violence calls

Witness interviews

The policy also highlights specific situations where the use of BWCs is notrequired or is restricted. These include:

Inside police facilities, unless there is a law enforcement reason to record

Conversations between officers and supervisors, unless there is a law enforcement reason to record

During meal breaks or when using restrooms

While an officer is on administrative duty

Furthermore, officers must inform individuals that they are being recorded, unless doing so would jeopardize officer safety or hinder an ongoing investigation.

Handling and Storage of BWC Footage

The NJ policy mandates that law enforcement agencies establish secure storage procedures for BWC footage. Agencies must also maintain records of all system audits, access logs, and video review instances. Moreover, recordings are to be preserved for 180 days, after which they may be deleted, unless they are deemed evidentiary or potentially subject to public disclosure.

Access to BWC Footage

Under the NJ policy, the public can request access to BWC footage through the Open Public Records Act (OPRA). However, strict exemptions apply to protect privacy and the integrity of investigations. Examples of such exemptions include:

Footage of an individual in a residence who has a reasonable expectation of privacy

Footage of medical or psychological evaluations

Footage that may reveal an informant's identity

Officer Review of BWC Footage

Officers may review their BWC footage if they are involved in a use-of-force incident, officer-involved shooting, or a situation where their actions have led to significant injury or death. After reviewing the footage, officers are required to submit a supplemental report that includes the details of their review and any additional information arising from it.

Implications for Law Enforcement Officers

The NJ Body Worn Camera Policy aims to bring increased accountability to police officers and improve trust and transparency within communities. Officers need to ensure they follow the guidelines and receive appropriate training in the use of BWCs, both for their own protection and to foster public trust.

However, some officers may express concerns about the impact of BWCs on their work, such as increased scrutiny, privacy concerns, and potential hurdles in building rapport with community members. It is crucial that law enforcement agencies address these concerns in their training programs and through continuous dialogue with their officers.

Implications for the General Public

The implementation of the NJ BWC policy can vastly improve the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve by promoting transparency, accountability, and trust. The policy balances the interests of the police, communities, and individuals by providing guidelines for when to record, how to handle and store footage, and access to recordings.

However, public awareness is key to realizing the full potential of this policy. Members of the public should be adequately informed about the policy and their rights to access BWC footage. Community organizations and advocacy groups can play a significant role in educating the public about the benefits and limitations of the policy.

Final Thoughts

As the use of BWCs becomes more widespread, it is important that citizens and officers are familiar with the NJ Body Worn Camera Policy. The policy covers a range of essential areas, from activation and storage to access to footage, that play a pivotal role in ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability.

For law enforcement agencies, understanding and implementing this policy is essential. It will not only foster public trust but also provide officers with valuable tools to protect themselves during investigations. On the other hand, citizens should be aware of the policy and their rights in relation to BWC footage to help them navigate the complex landscape of policing and public safety.