[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 146 (Wednesday, December 3, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H8286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
POLICE BODY CAMERAS
(Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, hands up; don't shoot.
The recent events in Ferguson have brought to light many of the
problems that still exist in our Nation: racial divides, mistrust of
law enforcement, a judicial system that disproportionately incarcerates
black men, and the unfortunate way that we view one another--not as
Americans, but as us versus them.
I am encouraged by President Obama's initiative that will help
purchase body cameras for police departments. This will increase
accountability of law enforcement, and it will protect our officers by
deterring wrongdoing.
I am proud that the two cities in my district, Newark and Jersey
City, are taking the lead to acquire cameras for their police officers,
because members of the community deserve to feel law enforcement is
protecting them and not out to get them; and, in turn, our protectors
deserve to be protected as well. This will be a step in the right
direction.
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