RI House of Representatives Approves Police Body Camera Bill

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a bill establishing a statewide program for police body cameras.

The bill ensures that regulations for camera use will be established through a formal, public rule-making process conducted by Attorney General Peter F. Neronha and the Department of Public Safety.

According to the legislation, these rules must address proper use of equipment, data and equipment security, activation and deactivation, recording notifications, records retention, access to data, privacy protections, and compliance monitoring.

"All communities deserve accountability from and trust in law enforcement. Having video footage of encounters has made all the difference in getting to the bottom of some very high-profile cases around the country and right here in Providence," said Rep. Jose Barista. "Real justice can only be reached when you can determine what is true, and body cameras are a valuable tool that helps us get to the truth."

In addition, the bill requires that the Department of Public Safety establish rules on how funding for the cameras is distributed to police departments. The $15 million in funding for the launch of the camera program is part of the $13.1 million budget bill that was approved by the House Thursday and will go before the Senate next week.

The police body camera bill now heads to the Senate for approval.