Body Cam Requirement For New Jersey Police Officers

If you are injured because of the negligent actions of another person, you may be able to get compensation to cover the costs of your medical bills and other expenses. This may happen if the person who causes the injury is a private citizen, but it can also happen if they are a police officer. A New Jersey law that mandates the wearing of body cameras by police officers means that if you are injured by one, this might provide evidence.

Need for equipment

The requirement, signed into law in November 2020, was for all officers to be wearing cameras by June 1, 2021. However, by that date, not every department had received enough body cams to outfit the entire force. Because this is a growing requirement for forces nationwide, there is a delay in getting the equipment.

Uses of footage

Departments that applied were given grants to help them purchase the equipment. Officials said that the body cameras will not just act as deterrents to violence or as evidence if violence occurs but can also be used in training. Police can review footage to see what went wrong or went right in a certain situation so that they can improve their own responses. If a police officer does injure an individual, it might become a civil rights issue in some cases.

People who have suffered an personal injury due to another person’s negligence or who believe their civil rights have been violated by a police officer or another individual may want to consult an attorney to find out what their rights are and how they can respond. Compensation can help pay for medical expenses and related costs. The case might go to court, or it could be settled with the assistance of an attorney.