Police CAMERA Act of 2024 Police Creating Accountability by Making Effective Recording Available Act of 2024
Impact
The implementation of this bill is intended to deter excessive force used by law enforcement officers, improve the evidence collection process, and enhance the public's trust in law enforcement agencies. By providing funding through matching grants, local agencies would be encouraged to adopt body-worn camera programs, thus institutionalizing the use of such technology in policing practices. The regulation also stipulates that law enforcement agencies must develop clear policies for the effective use and disclosure of body-worn camera footage, considering privacy rights and procedures for the release of data.
Summary
House Bill 9620, also known as the 'Police CAMERA Act of 2024', proposes to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The bill seeks to establish a matching grant program that would enable state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to purchase body-worn cameras and ensure the secure storage and maintenance of recorded data. This initiative is aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency within law enforcement, particularly in regards to the use of force, and in responding to public complaints against officers.
Contention
While proponents of HB 9620 argue that the bill will significantly bolster the accountability of law enforcement officers and improve community relations, critics are concerned about the potential overreach of surveillance capabilities. Specific points of contention involve the use of facial recognition technology in conjunction with body-worn cameras, where questions about privacy and civil liberties are at the forefront. Additionally, opponents may raise concerns about the impact of such technologies on marginalized communities, particularly regarding how recorded data is handled and shared.
Summary_conclusion
In conclusion, HB 9620 lays the groundwork for a federal approach to enhance accountability in law enforcement through technology, but it also opens the door for debates around privacy, civil rights, and the role of surveillance in community policing. As discussions continue, lawmakers and community leaders will need to consider the balance between security and individual rights.
Police Creating Accountability by Making Effective Recording Available Act of 2025 or the Police CAMERA Act of 2025This bill authorizes the Bureau of Justice Assistance within the Department of Justice to make grants for states, local governments, and Indian tribes to purchase or lease body-worn cameras for use by law enforcement officers and to implement body-worn camera programs.
George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2024 Police Exercising Absolute Care With Everyone Act of 2024 Closing the Law Enforcement Consent Loophole Act of 2024 End Racial and Religious Profiling Act of 2024 Police Reporting Information, Data, and Evidence Act of 2024
Chance to Compete Act of 2023 This bill modifies examination requirements and other components of the federal hiring process for positions in the competitive service. Specifically, the bill provides that a qualifying examination includes a résumé review that is conducted by a subject matter expert. Additionally, beginning two years after the bill's enactment, the bill prohibits examinations from consisting solely of a self-assessment from an automated examination, a résumé review that is not conducted by a subject matter expert, or any other method of assessing an applicant's experience or education. Agencies may use subject matter experts to develop position-specific technical assessments that allow applicants to demonstrate job-related skills, abilities, and knowledge; assessments may include structured interviews, work-related exercises, procedures to measure career-related qualifications and interests, or other similar assessments. The bill also allows agencies to establish talent teams to support and improve hiring practices. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must create online platforms through which agencies may share and customize technical assessments and share the résumés of qualifying applicants. The OPM must also create online platforms with information about the types of assessments used and hiring outcomes.