In reversal of a longstanding policy, the Department of Justice is set to require body cameras for federal law enforcement personnel when executing search warrants or making arrests, according to a report.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco directed top brass at federal law enforcement agencies — FBI, DEA, ATF, US Marshals Service — on Monday to draft policies on when the body-worn cameras must be deployed and under what circumstances footage may be released to the public, according to a memo obtained by the Washington Examiner.
Federal law enforcement has not used cameras in the past, something local law enforcement agencies have increasingly adopted due to outside pressure. Despite public perception, the cameras have become a tremendous benefit to police as they typically prove that officers perform a very difficult job with lawful integrity.
“I am proud of the job performed by the Department’s law-enforcement agents, and I am confident that these policies will continue to engender the trust and confidence of the American people in the work of the Department of Justice,” Monaco wrote.
According to the Examiner, the policy will only apply to preplanned events, including the apprehension of fugitives and the execution of search warrants.
Agencies are directed to “develop training for prosecutors regarding the use of camera recordings as evidence” within 90 days.
