Bills on body cameras in Iowa showcase looming challenges
February 21st, 2016 by Ric Hanson
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Measures that would address the growing use of body cameras in Iowa are not expected to impact law enforcement agencies this year, but their introduction this session showcases looming challenges for state officials.
Several lawmakers agree legislative action is needed soon as more Iowa authorities use body cameras to counter allegations of excessive force and public mistrust. In Iowa and around the country, legislators are scrutinizing existing laws and using task forces to figure out the storage, public inspection and confidentiality of body camera footage.
In Iowa, a bill that would have specified storage requirements for body camera footage did not move past a procedural deadline. The focus now turns to a separate bill that includes the creation of an interim legislative committee to investigate the issue.