[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 134 (Thursday, September 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             SAFER OFFICERS AND SAFER CITIZENS ACT OF 2015

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. JANICE HAHN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 17, 2015

  Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to join my colleagues Senator 
Tim Scott and Senator Cory Booker in introducing the ``Safer Officers 
and Safer Citizens Act of 2015.'' This legislation will provide federal 
grant funding to outfit law enforcement officers with body cameras.
  Police departments that use body cameras consistently have lower 
rates of complaints, show a reduced use of force, and have been shown 
to be a win-win for officers. A report conducted by the City of San 
Diego showed a 40% reduction in complaints filed by individuals, a 46% 
reduction in the use of force, and a 30% reduction in the use of pepper 
spray. A second study in Rialto, California showed a 60% reduction in 
force. These cameras make our streets safer for law enforcement and 
individuals.
  Further, 785 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies 
participated in a study of the effectiveness of body-worn cameras, and 
85% agreed that these cameras reduce false complaints.
  The bill I am introducing today with Congressman Bill Foster and 
Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty, which is the companion to the Senate bill 
recently introduced by Senators Cory Booker and Tim Scott, will provide 
these law enforcement agencies additional resources to equip their 
officers.
  At a time of tension and eroding trust between law enforcement and 
the public in many communities, body cameras help hold police officers 
accountable and encourage them to act appropriately as they protect and 
serve. This legislation enables departments to purchase body cameras 
without cutting or diverting funds from other important programs 
including community outreach efforts.
  The ``Safer Officers and Safer Citizens Act of 2015,'' will provide 
$100 million annually to state, local, and tribal law enforcement 
departments through a grant program to outfit their officers with body 
cameras. I call on my colleagues in Congress to join me in this effort, 
and pass this bill.

                          ____________________