In recent years, police body cameras have become a significant topic of discussion due to their potential impact on law enforcement transparency, accountability, and the protection of citizens' rights. With an increasing number of controversies surrounding police interaction with the public, many people are pushing for the mandatory use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) on all officers. As a result, policymakers across various states have implemented or are considering policies that address the use of BWCs. Understanding which states have enacted body camera legislation and the specific details of these laws can allow for a clearer perspective on the state of police accountability measures in the United States.

Author's Note:As policies and regulations frequently change, it's essential to consult official sources to get the most accurate, up-to-date information on BWC laws in specific states.

State-by-State Laws on Police Body Cameras

Through a combination of legislation and administrative policy, several states have implemented laws or regulations requiring the use of police body cameras. These requirements may vary in scope, application, and specifications.

1. California (CA)

In 2019, California implemented Assembly Bill (AB) 748, which mandates the release of police body camera footage within 45 days of a critical incident. However, there remains no definitive requirement for all California police officers to wear body cameras. As of October 2021, only specific cities in California have established BWC policies. For example, the Los Angeles Police Department started providing body cameras to its officers in 2015, while the San Francisco Police Department began using them in 2016.

2. Colorado (CO)

Since 2020, Colorado state law (Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-31-311) requires all peace officers in the state to wear body cameras and activate them during specific situations, including whenever they are responding to calls for service or interacting with the public. With the passage of Senate Bill 217 (Enhance Law Enforcement Integrity Act) in 2020, these requirements expanded, requiring all local and state law enforcement agencies to provide their officers with BWCs.

3. Connecticut (CT)

In 2015, Connecticut passed House Bill (HB) 7103, which established a voluntary pilot program for the use of BWCs. Since then, the state legislature has approved various grants to provide funds for this program and encourage the adoption of BWCs by law enforcement agencies. However, there is no statewide mandate for police body cameras in Connecticut.

4. Georgia (GA)

In Georgia, a 2014 law (Georgia Code § 35-1-19) requires the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to establish a BWC program and make grant-generated funds available for equipping state and local law enforcement officers with BWCs. There is no statewide mandate for all law enforcement agencies to use BWCs.

5. Illinois (IL)

The Illinois General Assembly passed a bill in 2015 to establish guidelines on the use of BWCs by law enforcement in the state (Public Act 099-0352). The law does not require all police officers to wear BWCs—instead, it permits law enforcement agencies to use body cameras under stated regulations. Also, the law created the Law Enforcement Camera Grant Program, which offers funds for BWC purchasing and implementation.

6. Nevada (NV)

Nevada, through Senate Bill 176 in 2017, mandated that all peace officers in the state must wear body cameras, making it the second state in the U.S. to do so. Additionally, the law established guidelines and specific regulations on the use, storage, and release of BWC footage.

7. New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico's BWC law came into effect on July 1, 2021. Senate Bill 8 requires all New Mexico law enforcement officers to wear body cameras while on duty, making it the third state to require body cameras for police officers statewide.

8. North Carolina (NC)

In 2015, North Carolina enacted a law (North Carolina G.S. § 114-61) that laid out guidelines for the use, access, and storage of police body camera footage. However, there is no statewide mandate requiring the use of BWCs, and the decision to equip officers with body cameras remains at the discretion of individual law enforcement agencies.

9. South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina became the first U.S. state to require police officers to wear body cameras when the General Assembly passed the Body-Worn Camera Act in 2015 (South Carolina Code § 23-1-240). This law mandates BWC usage for all South Carolina law enforcement agencies, although implementation depends on available funding.

10. Texas (TX)

In Texas, a 2015 law (Texas Government Code § 411.441) established guidelines for the use of BWCs and a grant program to provide state support for purchasing and implementing these devices. However, Texas has no statewide mandate requiring the use of BWCs by law enforcement officers.

These are just a few examples of the different types of BWC laws enacted by states throughout the U.S. As public scrutiny of law enforcement continues to grow, more states may choose to adopt regulations mandating the use of body cameras by their police forces. It is crucial to stay informed about the changes in BWC policies across the country, as they greatly impact the level of law enforcement transparency, accountability, and the protection of citizens' rights.