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Bill > S1499
NJ S1499
NJ S1499Requires correctional police officers to wear body worn cameras under certain circumstances.
summary
Introduced
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires correctional police officers in this State's correctional facilities to wear body worn cameras under certain circumstances. The bill specifically requires correctional police officers employed in State correctional facilities who are acting in the performance of their official duties to wear a body worn camera: (1) when designated by the Department of Corrections as a member of the Special Operations Group; (2) while in a close custody unit; (3) while in a housing unit; (4) when providing mobile security; and (5) when in contact with a member of the public. According to the sponsor, the use of body worn cameras in correctional facilities enhances the surveillance capabilities in the facility, particularly blind spots, which can result in a reduction in instances of sexual assault. The cameras also provide unbiased accounts of use of force occurrences, provide evidence in prosecutions and intelligence gathering, deter negative behavior by both staff and inmates, and provide protection against frivolous lawsuits.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that correctional police officers in New Jersey's state correctional facilities must wear body-worn cameras under specific circumstances while performing their official duties. These circumstances include being part of the Department of Corrections' Special Operations Group, working in a close custody unit (an area for inmates removed from the general population), within a housing unit (where inmates sleep), when providing mobile security, or when interacting with the public. A body-worn camera is defined as a device worn by an officer that records audio or video of law enforcement actions, excluding cameras in vehicles or those used by undercover officers. The bill aims to improve surveillance, reduce incidents like sexual assault, provide objective accounts of force, aid in prosecutions and intelligence gathering, deter misconduct by both staff and inmates, and offer protection against unfounded lawsuits.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/09/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S1499 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1499_I1.HTM |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S1500/1499_I1.HTM |
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