Bill > H8115

This bill mandates that by January 1, 2027, the Director of the Department of Corrections must establish written policies and procedures for correctional officers to use body cameras, aiming to create a complete record of critical incidents and improve safety for officers, staff, and inmates. To develop these policies, the Director is required to consult with various stakeholders, including community members representing the incarcerated population, the Attorney General, law enforcement groups like the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, the Public Defender, the brotherhood of correctional officers, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Rhode Island, and experts in correctional policy. The policies must define "critical incidents" that require camera activation, ensure accurate recording, outline storage and access procedures for court or disciplinary proceedings, address whether notice should be given to individuals being recorded given Rhode Island's "one-party consent" law for recordings, specify how recordings will be retained and destroyed, and detail training requirements for officers and staff on body camera usage. This act will become effective upon its passage.

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