Watch CBS News

NJ Lawmaker Proposes Officers Wear On-Body Cameras

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Police in New Jersey may soon be wearing cameras to encourage both sides to play by the rules.

Last week Gov. Chris Christie signed a law requiring all new police cars used for traffic stops in the state be equipped with cameras.

NJ Lawmaker Proposes Officers Wear On-Body Cameras

Now, state Sen. Shirley Turner wants to take it another step further. She's proposing legislation to require all officers wear body cameras, WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported.

Turner said the measure is underscored by the deaths of Michael Brown in Missouri and Eric Garner in Staten Island.

The lawmaker added that when both the officer and the suspect know video is recording, that could encourage both sides to play by the rules and potentially save towns money with fewer lawsuits.

The head of Trenton's police unit told the Times of Trenton there would have to be clear guidelines on when the cameras are used and if the video can be used in court.

Check Out These Other Stories From CBSNewYork.com:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.