FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org
SEPT. 30 COMMENTS
The New England First Amendment Coalition and several Rhode Island open government advocates — collectively known as Access/RI — renewed their call for improved police body camera policies in the state.
“By providing the means for greater transparency and accountability in police work, the implementation of police body-worn cameras (BWC) serves as an important oversight tool for both law enforcement and the public,” the groups wrote on Sept. 30 to the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety.
“However,” they added, “BWCs can only accomplish this goal if the policies and regulations governing them enshrine that role.”
Policy changes recommended by the groups include:
• Faster uploading of video by officers after their shift.
• Better documentation and explanations for any interruption in camera footage.
• Random audits of officer recordings and adherence to department policies.
• Increased transparency requirements when footage captures an incident where deadly force is used by an officer.
Access/RI previously called for changes in 2022. NEFAC also independently submitted testimony on draft versions of the policy. Journalist and former NEFAC Board of Directors member Tim White testified on behalf of the coalition and emphasized the need for better public access to body camera footage. NEFAC also provided a detailed response to the draft policy in an Aug. 16, 2022 letter.
NEFAC is the region’s leading advocate for the First Amendment and the public’s right to know about government. You can read all the coalition’s briefs and advocacy letters here. Want to learn more about the Rhode Island public records law? Start with our FOI Guide.
NEFAC was formed in 2006 to advance and protect the Five Freedoms of the First Amendment, including the principle of the public’s right to know. We’re a broad-based organization of people who believe in the power of an informed democratic society. Our members include lawyers, journalists, historians, academics and private citizens.
Our coalition is funded through contributions made by those who value the First Amendment and who strive to keep government accountable. Please make a donation here.
NEFAC is supported by the Estate of Gloria L. Negri. Additional funding is provided by Leadership Circle donors including the Rhode Island Foundation, The Boston Globe, Paul and Ann Sagan, and the Robertson Foundation. Major Supporters of NEFAC’s work are Hearst Connecticut Media Group, Boston University, the Academy of New England Journalists, Connecticut Public, WCVB-Boston and WBUR-Boston.