December 09, 2021
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Buncombe sheriff supports new bodycam law; Rep. Turner doesn't think it goes far enough - WLOS

DEC. 9, 2021 - Effective Dec. 1, it’s no longer up to local law enforcement agencies to release officer-worn body camera footage; the decision now rests with a judge. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)
DEC. 9, 2021 - Effective Dec. 1, it’s no longer up to local law enforcement agencies to release officer-worn body camera footage; the decision now rests with a judge. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A new North Carolina law regarding officer-worn body cameras changes the way footage will be released in certain situations.

Effective Dec. 1, it’s no longer up to local law enforcement agencies to release officer-worn body camera footage; the decision now rests with a judge, according to North Carolina Senate Bill 300.

The law only applies to instances in which a death or serious bodily injury has occurred. It states the court must make a determination within seven days of receiving a request and the judge can rule one of four ways:

  • Release the recording without edits or redactions
  • Release the recording with edits or redactions
  • Release the recording at a later date – with or without edits or redactions or
  • Withhold the recording.

The North Carolina Sheriff’s Association initially petitioned for the change. Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller said he fully supports the new law.

“This is just another tool to keep us more accountable,” Miller said. “Me, personally, I like the fact that there’s a process and everyone knows what the process is. It’s not just this way for this case and that way for that case, so it’s clear for us now what the procedures are.”

But the law is receiving some criticism from others who think it doesn’t go far enough. Rep. Brain Turner said it’s not where it needs to be, but it’s a start.

“I think it’s a good first step to take those decisions out of the hands of law enforcement and put them with a, basically, more objective person like a judge,” Turner said. “I would actually like to see it where law enforcement agencies have to show a compelling reason to keep it private, versus release it.”

Turner said the law should be extended to include releasing bodycam footage of every-day incidents.

“As we get into dealing with complaints against officers for non-violent stops or areas where people aren’t hurt, it becomes more and more important to be able to have more access and for the full story to be told,” he said. “While the bodycam footage is one perspective, and not everything that’s happening, in many cases, it’s the only objective record we have.”

According to Miller, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office is working to outfit its fleet of vehicles with dash cameras, as well. Miller said he hopes to eventually include that footage into this law.



source: https://wlos.com/news/local/buncombe-sheriff-quentin-miller-supports-new-bodycam-law-rep-brain-turner-doesnt-think-it-goes-far-enough

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