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Democrat Proposes Legislative Study of Police Body Cameras

Police representatives support the study, saying it's necessary to assess how to protect private information before buying body cameras

By Alison Noon, Associated Press

HELENA — A Montana Democrat who initially was looking to outfit every police officer with a body camera has instead proposed a legislative study of the topic.

Rep. Bridget Smith of Wolf Point introduced House Joint Resolution 22 in the House Judiciary Committee Friday.

Police representatives support the study, saying it’s necessary to assess how to protect private information before buying body cameras.

Jerry Williams of the Montana Police Protective Association said for example it’s possible an officer with a body camera could publicize every nook and cranny of a person’s home while carrying out a search warrant.

Montana Association of Chiefs of Police Mark Murphy said agencies would like to have a model policy in place.

No one spoke against the proposal and the committee took no immediate action.