Tucker, Conaway, Reynolds-Jackson & Sumter Bills to Require and Regulate the Use of Police Officer Body Cameras Now Law

(TRENTON) – To increase protections for New Jersey communities and police officers, legislation to statutorily require and regulate police body cameras was signed into law by the Governor on Tuesday.

Legislation A-4271, sponsored by Assembly members Cleopatra Tucker (D-Essex), and Herb Conaway (D-Burlington); and A-4312, sponsored by Assemblywomen Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Mercer, Middlesex), Shavonda Sumter (D-Bergen, Passaic), and Cleopatra Tucker).

“Police body cameras have become an essential part of community policing today. They aim to ensure accountability for any actions which take place during a police stop, whether it is by the officer or a resident,” said Assembly members Cleopatra Tucker (D-Essex), and Herb Conaway (D-Burlington), Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Mercer, Middlesex), Shavonda Sumter (D-Bergen, Passaic), the sponsors of A-4271 and A-4312. “Tensions surrounding community policing escalated after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The distrust between communities of color and law enforcement was once again highlighted in the national spotlight. A body camera is only one way of ensuring greater transparency and accountability for law enforcement, and to rebuilding community relations; however, it will be a uniquely powerful tool in getting there.”