Statement by Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri Praising U.S. House Passage of Resolution Encouraging Body-Worn Cameras for Police Officers

Statement

Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri issued this first-person statement today after the U.S. House passed H. Res. 295, a measure cosponsored by Mr. Clay, encouraging the use of body-worn cameras by local police officers:

"I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their strong support of this resolution encouraging the use of body-worn cameras by local police officers which I was proud to cosponsor.

This measure aims to protect both citizens and police officers by increasing transparency, accountability and community legitimacy.

It was driven by research from the University of Cambridge which reported that after a year-long study in the United Kingdom, the use of body-worn cameras reduced the use of force by police by 50% and reduced complaints against police by 90%.

Our resolution recognizes the potential for the use of body-worn cameras by on-duty law enforcement officers to improve community relations and encourages State and local law enforcement agencies to consider the use of body-worn cameras, including policies and protocols to handle privacy, storage, and other relevant concerns."

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