Texas
Texas bill would require body cameras for every prison guard in state
Texas invoice would require physique cameras for each jail guard in state
If handed the invoice would make physique cameras, like what legislation enforcement officers put on, necessary for the state’s 20,000 jail guards.
AUSTIN, Texas – State Rep. Carl Sherman (D-DeSoto) filed Home Invoice 1524, which might make physique cameras, like what legislation enforcement officers put on, necessary for the state’s 20,000 jail guards.
“With physique cameras it creates a unique setting and safety for individuals who work inside our prisons and in addition to for individuals who are below their custody,” stated Rep. Sherman.
On Tuesday, the Home Corrections Committee heard testimony concerning the proposal, which might require cameras for guards in each private and non-private prisons.
In all, the digital camera programs and obligatory docking stations would value the state about $54 million.
“Our group helps HB1524 and consider physique cameras may also help make enhancements to how TDCJ operates and preserve workers and inmates secure,” stated Clifton Buchganon, the Deputy Director of the Texas Correctional Staff Council.
This previous Spring, Gonzalo Lopez escaped from a Texas jail bus, killed 5 relations in Central Texas and was free for weeks earlier than being killed by police.
A report discovered steps had been skipped with Lopez, like a strip search and a weapons examine with a handheld steel detector.
FOX 4’s Shaun Rabb spoke with Sherman about his laws.
State Rep. Carl Sherman (D-DeSoto)
“Having physique cameras creates an open setting, transparency and accountability,” stated Rep. Sherman.
A dozen or so states have moved to having jail guards carrying physique cameras since 2021.
“You concentrate on what they’ve executed in Ohio, they have been in a position to observe and see that it has lowered violence inside the prisons, so it makes the setting safer,” Rep. Sherman stated.
Sherman proposed related laws final session, however says this time round he has bipartisan help.
He plans to carry a information convention in Austin Thursday concerning the laws and his backing from throughout the aisle.