Connecticut House Bill HB05173

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/17
• Refer: 1/4/17

Caption

An Act Concerning The Use Of Body-worn Recording Equipment By Law Enforcement.

Impact

By amending section 29-6d of the general statutes, HB 05173 seeks to clarify the relationship between law enforcement practices and labor organizations. Supporters argue that removing collective bargaining from the discussion surrounding body-worn cameras will allow for quicker adoption and better compliance with recording protocols. The bill could lead to a standardization of practices across police departments in the state, ultimately improving the quality of policing while providing a safeguard for both officers and civilians.

Summary

House Bill 05173 is aimed at regulating the use of body-worn recording equipment by law enforcement officers in Connecticut. The bill proposes that the deployment and use of such recording devices should be excluded from collective bargaining agreements. This shift indicates the legislative intent to streamline the implementation of body-worn cameras without the delays or compromises that might arise from labor negotiations. The introduction of this bill reflects growing concerns around police accountability and transparency in the wake of various incidents highlighting the need for better oversight in police activities.

Contention

However, the bill has sparked some contention among union representatives and civil rights advocates. Critics express concern that excluding body-worn cameras from collective bargaining may infringe upon the rights of police officers to negotiate terms that affect their working conditions. They argue that collective bargaining ensures that officers' voices are heard concerning how such technologies are implemented, including privacy rights and operational guidelines. Thus, while proponents see this as a path toward enhanced accountability, opponents fear it could diminish labor rights within law enforcement.