Senator Tim Scott Requests Hearing on Body Cameras

Washington – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) today requested Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles Grassley (R-IA) and Crime and Terrorism Subcommittee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) hold a hearing on the use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement officers.

Scott wrote, “I believe that the deployment of body-worn cameras will provide increased protections for both law enforcement officers and those they serve.

At least one study shows that public complaints against officers wearing body cameras fell by almost 90% and that officers’ use of force decreased by 60%. At a minimum, we owe it to our communities and law enforcement officers to consider this study and other evidence to explore the wisdom of widespread deployment of body-worn cameras.

I understand that there are multiple and complex questions surrounding the use of body cameras, including privacy concerns, data retention and disclosure issues, and the effects of recording on community relationships. It is essential that we explore these and other concerns as we foster a national discussion on body-worn cameras at a public hearing in Congress.”

Following the death of Walter Scott in North Charleston, South Carolina, Senator Scott has supported efforts by the South Carolina State Legislature to move forward with hearings on body cameras.