TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The push for law enforcement officers to use body cameras when on duty, both nationally and across Florida, breaks new ground and also raises several new issues.
Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco announced his department has already been using them and more authorities say they plan to bring them on board.
"They protect not only the officer and make them a better officer but they protect the public, also," said Wakulla County Sheriff Charlie Creel.
Creel said all of his deputies will use them at all times. But, there are some challenges they present.
"This is the wave of the future. When these cameras record, it is public record unless it's an open investigation."
That includes issues with storage, when to turn them on and off, and privacy. The cameras also raise the question: Should any footage be free from records request?
Right now, it seems that each agency planning to use body cameras will have its own set of rules because Florida has no uniform policy.
It could be up to lawmakers to make some guidelines. Several lawmakers agree with use of the cameras and believe legislation could be filed in the 2015 session.
Tallahassee attorney Reggie Garcia believes the body cameras are a good idea, but could be create an issue with privacy.
"To make a drug arrest, for instance, as they often do early in the morning. You know do we want to put kids' faces on TV. If we happen to catch people in various stages of undress," said Garcia.
"I think the Florida Legislature can address those with very narrow restrictions as they often do to what are called the public records laws."
With the technology, officers will not be able to edit or delete footage. And, there may be sensitive moments where they need to stop recording but for now, that'll be up to each agency.
