Bill Text: HI SB2192 | 2016 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Law Enforcement; County Police Departments; Body-Worn Video Cameras; Law Enforcement Vehicle Cameras; Appropriation ($)
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-01-22 - Referred to PSM/EET, WAM. [SB2192 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2016-SB2192-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2192 |
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TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to law enforcement.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that law enforcement agencies are increasingly using body-mounted video cameras and law enforcement vehicle cameras to protect civilians and law enforcement officers. A body-mounted video camera worn by a law enforcement officer acts as a third-party, independent witness in disputes by clarifying testimony obtained in the field and eliminating many of the problems that occur between law enforcement officers and civilians. Law enforcement vehicle cameras are video cameras that are typically mounted on the vehicle's dashboard.
The legislature further finds that people who are aware of being videotaped are more inclined to alter their behavior as they know that they will likely be held accountable for their actions. Law enforcement officers and civilians who are aware that they are being videotaped are more likely to behave in a calm and rational manner. With the recent incidents involving law enforcement officers and unnecessary force, the use of body-mounted video cameras and law enforcement vehicle cameras provide law enforcement officers and civilians with added security in their actions. In controversial situations, where force may need to be used, a law enforcement officer or civilian's story may be corroborated by the video obtained through the body-mounted video camera or law enforcement vehicle camera.
The legislature additionally finds that a financial loss occurs when a civilian files a complaint against a law enforcement officer. Law enforcement agencies spend approximately $2,000,000,000 annually investigating complaints against law enforcement officers. However, the use of body-mounted video cameras and law enforcement vehicle cameras can reduce complaints against law enforcement officers and complaints may be resolved in a timelier manner, freeing up valuable resources and reducing financial losses.
The legislature also finds that the use of body-mounted video cameras and law enforcement vehicle cameras can assist law enforcement with training, assessment, and disciplinary decisions. The video obtained from a body-mounted video camera or law enforcement vehicle camera can provide a detailed record of an incident and offer audio and video clarity. Anyone not on the scene during an incident involving a law enforcement officer and a civilian may view and hear how the events unfolded. Body-worn video cameras and law enforcement vehicle cameras help ensure the safety of the public and increase law enforcement effectiveness.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to promote transparency, accountability, and protection for law enforcement officers and civilians by appropriating funds to each county for the purchase of body-worn video cameras and law enforcement vehicle cameras to be used by each county police department.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for a grant-in-aid to each county for the purchase of body-worn video cameras and law enforcement vehicle cameras to be used by each county police department, to be allocated as follows:
$ to the city and county of Honolulu;
$ to the county of Maui;
$ to the county of Hawaii; and
$ to the county of Kauai;
provided that no funds appropriated to a county under this Act shall be expended unless matched dollar-for-dollar by the county.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by each county for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2016.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Law Enforcement; County Police Departments; Body-Worn Video Cameras; Law Enforcement Vehicle Cameras; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds as a grant-in-aid to each county for the purchase of body-worn video cameras and law enforcement vehicle cameras to be used by each county police department; provided that no funds appropriated to a county shall be expended unless matched dollar-for-dollar by the county.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
