Political and Legislative
The Justice Department Is Expanding the Use of Body Cameras by Federal Law Enforcement
The Justice Department is dramatically expanding the use of body-worn cameras by federal law enforcement, announcing plans to require its agents to wear such devices when carrying out search warrants or making pre-planned arrests.
The move, which has long been urged by civil rights advocates, is another step bringing the federal government closer to the widespread deployment of such video cameras in recent years by police departments across the U.S.
In a memo issued Monday, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco instructed the heads of the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Marshals Service to issue policies within 30 days detailing plans to outfit personnel with the cameras.
