I. Law Requires Use of Body Cameras
Last Tuesday, Governor Murphy signed S1163/A4312 which requires the use of law enforcement body cameras, subject to available funding after the legislature concurred with the changes in his veto message. While P.L. 2020, c. 128 took effect immediately it remains inoperative until the effective date of P.L. 129, which is July 2021. Please see the League’s recent blog post for more information.
A separate supplemental appropriation of $58 million is awaiting passage in both chambers. While the League is supportive of the concept, we remain concerned with the funding provided and seek assurances that state funding will cover the cost and is not ultimately borne by the local taxpayers.
The Governor also issued Executive Order 201, creating an Interagency Working Group on Body Worn Cameras to consult with law enforcement agencies to identify barriers to the adoption of body worn camera systems, identify and recommend potential technology solutions to facilitate the adoption of body worn camera systems including potential provisions of centralized statewide or regional storage systems, and recommend changes to existing policies related to the deployment, storage, and handling of body worn cameras. The group must issue a report by March 31, 2021.
Contact: Paul Penna, Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x110.
II. Stories Sought for 2021 NJ Municipalities Magazines
Sharing insights, challenges, and success stories is of critical importance as municipalities deal with the pandemic and its impact on local governments and the communities they support. NJ Municipalities magazine is a forum where you can get your story out there to those who will really benefit from the information.
The magazine is currently accepting stories for the winter and spring editions. Have an article you’d like to share with your peers in local government? Please reach out to NJ Municipalities magazine Managing Editor Amy Spiezio at aspiezio@njlm.org or more information visit NJ Municipalities website.