Signed by Governor Phil Murphy

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with the governor's recommendations and pass a bill that requires law enforcement officers to wear body cameras.

Highlights:

• Requires every uniformed state, county, and municipal patrol law enforcement officer to wear a body camera that electronically records audio and video while acting in the performance of the officer’s official duties, except (Sec 1):

• While engaged in an undercover assignment;

• When assigned to non-uniformed duties;

• While serving in an administrative position within the department;

• While meeting with a confidential informant;

• While engaging in union representation of a member of the collective bargaining group;

• When directed by the chief or superior officer for a lawful purpose; or

• A detective or investigator of a county prosecutor’s office or Division of Criminal Justice when authorized by the County Prosecutor or Attorney General.

• Requires body cameras to be funded by forfeiture funds in an amount determined by the Attorney General or any other source of funding made available for this purpose, including but not limited to federal grants (Sec 1).

• Authorizes the Attorney General to revise guidelines or directives as appropriate (Sec 2).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with the governor's recommendations and pass a bill that requires law enforcement officers to wear body cameras.

Highlights:

• Requires every uniformed state, county, and municipal patrol law enforcement officer to wear a body camera that electronically records audio and video while acting in the performance of the officer’s official duties, except (Sec 1):

• While engaged in an undercover assignment;

• When assigned to non-uniformed duties;

• While serving in an administrative position within the department;

• While meeting with a confidential informant;

• While engaging in union representation of a member of the collective bargaining group;

• When directed by the chief or superior officer for a lawful purpose; or

• A detective or investigator of a county prosecutor’s office or Division of Criminal Justice when authorized by the County Prosecutor or Attorney General.

• Requires body cameras to be funded by forfeiture funds in an amount determined by the Attorney General or any other source of funding made available for this purpose, including but not limited to federal grants (Sec 1).

• Authorizes the Attorney General to revise guidelines or directives as appropriate (Sec 2).

Full Bill Text

Signed by Governor Phil Murphy