Hillary Clinton Backs Police Body Cameras Amid Texas Bill
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AUSTIN: (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — 2016 Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton Wednesday proposed body cameras for all police departments.
About 50 Dallas Police officers have been wearing the cameras and recording since early this year. Police departments in Houston and San Antonio are also testing body cameras on officers.
A senate bill supporting the use of body cameras by law enforcement was approved by state lawmakers just last week. Sen. Royce West (D) of Dallas authored the legislation. Dallas Police Chief David Brown wants the cameras to be standard equipment to cut down on disputes during arrests.
The video can also be used in court just as dashboard camera video is used.
Speaking at an urban policy forum at Columbia University, Clinton tied the problem to her broader campaign theme of inequality, citing "cycles of poverty and despair" in inner city neighborhoods. "We need a true national debate about how to reduce our prison population," she said.
In December, President Barack Obama asked Congress for $263 million for police body cameras and additional law enforcement training. Though Congress has yet to act on this, states like Texas are leading the way.
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