[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 92 (Wednesday, June 10, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E872]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SUPPORTING LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

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                               speech of

                        HON. BRENDA L. LAWRENCE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 9, 2015

  Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, as we vote on H. Res. 295, I would like 
to address the need for body cameras worn by on-duty law enforcement.
  As a result of the influx of controversial reports citing alleged 
inappropriate behavior by police officers, body cameras will provide 
more transparency in what can be otherwise confounding cases. In 
instances like the Walter Scott shooting, the McKinney incident, and 
the Trayvon Martin case, video footage from a body-worn camera may have 
provided critical, tangible evidence regarding the events that 
transpired. Such technology has the capability to reduce the number of 
complaints of excessive use of force by officers. It also provides the 
power to dismiss officers from false, malicious complaints. 
Additionally, footage from body cameras can be utilized as a teaching 
tool in which officers review video in an attempt to learn from their 
mistakes and improve their performance. Both exemplary and 
inappropriate police behavior can be analyzed in order to build greater 
trust between law enforcement and the communities they are tasked with 
serving.
  Furthermore, there are studies that show improved behavior occurs 
with both police officers and potential suspects when both parties know 
they are being recorded. Detroit's significantly higher crime rate when 
compared with the U.S. average makes this topic of particular concern 
to me and my District. The violent crime rate in 2012 was nearly six 
times that of the U.S. average. The implementation of body cameras will 
help ensure the safety of my constituents by recording interactions 
between officers and civilians. I urge support for this bill for the 
protection and interests of all involved.
  I would like to thank my colleague, Congressman Green for this 
bipartisan legislation to reform our nation's law enforcement policies 
and procedures by promoting transparency while protecting citizens and 
officers.

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