SC Bar adopts position on body cameras
April 14, 2015
COLUMBIA, SC (April 14, 2015) — Today the South Carolina Bar Board of Governors approved a request from the Bar’s Criminal Law Section to support legislation providing that all state and local law enforcement officers be equipped with body-worn cameras.
The Board adopted the following position: “The South Carolina Bar supports the use of any technology, including body cameras, which promotes the truth while preserving privacy, accountability, and transparency. Because concerned parties have raised legitimate questions about body cameras relating to implementation, cost, use, privacy, training, and policy development, the Bar also urges the legislature to promptly and thoroughly address these important issues.”
Tomorrow a subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee will consider S. 47, draft legislation providing for body cameras for law enforcement.
SC Bar President Cal Watson said, “The South Carolina Bar supports measures that help sustain a fair and unbiased judicial system. Core functions of government include public protection and a system of addressing criminal conduct which preserves constitutional rights. In a time with many issues competing for financial attention, the basic needs for law enforcement, solicitors, public defenders and the judiciary should always receive the attention and support of our General Assembly and the public.”
The SC Bar, which has a membership of more than 15,000 lawyers, is dedicated to advancing justice, professionalism and understanding of the law.
