The original item was published from November 30, 2020 1:39 PM to November 30, 2020 7:37 PM
On Tuesday, November 23, Governor Murphy signed A4312, as amended with the Governor’s recommendations, regulating use of body cameras by law enforcement officers.
This new law (P.L. 2020, c. 129) requires that body worn camera recordings must be retained for no less than 180 days and at least three years under certain circumstances including use of force, preceding a crime or attempted crime or if a complaint has been registered by the subject of the recording.
There are several exemptions for a law enforcement officer to deactivate body worn camera including at the request of a civilian conversing with an officer; when someone who is not under arrest is seeking emergency medical services for themselves or someone else; while the officer is discussing criminal investigation strategy and planning; when authorized to do so by an assistant prosecutor or assistant or deputy attorney general; while in a school or youth facility; in a patient care area of a healthcare facility; in a house of worship; while in a courtroom unless responding for a call for service; or if it interferes with electronic alcohol breath testing devices.
This legislation takes effect in June, 2021, 7 months from signing. We suggest you review this new law with your Chief of Police and municipal attorney.
Contact: Paul Penna, Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x110.