In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) by law enforcement officers in Georgia and across the United States has become a widely-debated topic. Many argue that they can increase transparency, prevent misconduct on both sides of the law, and help build trust between communities and the police officers assigned to protect them. This article will delve into the legal framework surrounding the use of police body cameras in Georgia, exploring their potential benefits along with any related privacy concerns

The Legal Framework

In 2014, House Bill (HB) 840 was introduced into the Georgia General Assembly. The bill aimed to lay the groundwork for the use of BWCs by police officers. However, it wasn't until May 2, 2016, when HB 976 was passed and signed into law by then-Governor Nathan Deal that the state's BWC legislation was truly solidified.

HB 976, now enshrined into law as O.C.G.A. ∫ 50-18-100 through O.C.G.A. ∫ 50-18-104, establishes the regulatory framework and guidelines for how BWCs can be used by Georgia's law enforcement officers. These guidelines include provisions related to training, data storage, access to recorded footage, and the penalties for non-compliance with the law.

Training and Awareness

The act states that all agencies employing BWCs must establish and adopt written policies and provide training to their officers on the use of such devices. Additionally, officers must receive updated training on an annual basis to ensure they are well-versed in the law and current policies.

Data Storage and Access

O.C.G.A. ∫ 50-18-102 outlines the requirements for the retention and release of BWC data. All geometrical videos or images captured by an officer's BWC must be retained for at least 180 days unless it becomes part of an ongoing investigation or has evidentiary value. If the latter two cases apply, the data must be preserved for a minimum of 30 months.

Public access to BWC data is limited, and certain guidelines must be met before the data can be released. Access is granted only in cases of open records requests and files containing recordings considered to be public records. Additionally, subjects in the footage, governing officials, and supervisory personnel are permitted to view the relevant recordings.

Privacy Concerns

One of the main concerns surrounding the use of BWCs is privacy. Georgia has worked to address these concerns by enacting stringent guidelines regarding when officers may or may not use their BWCs. For instance, O.C.G.A. ∫ 50-18-103 allows officers to turn off their BWCs when in a private residence as long as the officer has no interaction with the individuals living there or when the subsequent situation doesn't warrant recording. In other words, officers are not allowed to record random or unrelated encounters while on duty.

Furthermore, Georgia law requires that officers inform citizens when they are being recorded unless doing so is unsafe or impractical. In certain instances, citizens may also ask that the officer deactivate the BWC.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to follow Georgia's BWC laws can result in consequences for law enforcement agencies and officers alike. O.C.G.A. ∫ 50-18-104 states that any person or entity that knowingly and willfully interferes with a BWC or its associated data will be considered guilty of a misdemeanor.

Moreover, law enforcement agencies that fail to adopt written policies or provide proper training on BWC use could jeopardize their grants and state funding eligibility.

The Future of Body-Worn Cameras in Georgia

The adoption of BWCs in Georgia's law enforcement agencies is a step in the right direction for transparency and building trust with the public. As technology evolves and more robust policies and guidelines are implemented, BWCs may become an essential tool for both public safety and preserving rights.

It remains to be seen how Georgia's BWC laws may change in the future to address emerging challenges and opportunities. For now, however, these devices have the potential to transform the way law enforcement operates, helping the public and police officers alike move towards a more transparent and accountable relationship.