STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
3875
2023-2024 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 8, 2023
___________
Introduced by M. of A. JACKSON -- read once and referred to the Commit-
tee on Correction
AN ACT to amend the correction law, in relation to establishing a pilot
program for the use of body-worn cameras on certain correction offi-
cers
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. The correction law is amended by adding a new section 135
2 to read as follows:
3 § 135. Body camera for correction officers pilot program. 1. The
4 commissioner shall, after consultation with the chairman of the state
5 commission of corrections, establish a pilot program providing for the
6 use of a body-worn personal video recording device on certain correction
7 officers assigned to the supervision of general population inmates at a
8 maximum security facility. No fewer than fifty correction officers in a
9 single shift shall be selected to participate in this pilot program.
10 Each officer chosen shall wear a personal video recording device affixed
11 to his or her uniform while on duty in the facility chosen for such
12 pilot program. The personal video recording device shall record all the
13 interactions of a correction officer and inmates under his or her care,
14 custody and control. The recording shall include both audio and video.
15 2. All such equipment shall be installed on or before six months after
16 the effective date of this section. The commissioner shall promulgate
17 all rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this
18 section. Such rules and regulations shall require that all video
19 recordings be catalogued and maintained as a record by the department
20 for not less than six months and shall establish minimum standards for
21 the personal video recording devices, and recording equipment to be used
22 and furthermore shall provide for the protection of personal privacy for
23 those persons whose actions may be recorded. No personal video recording
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05632-01-3
A. 3875 2
1 devices may be used as a means to conduct surveillance upon any inmate,
2 officer or employee of the department.
3 3. The commissioner shall issue a report within six months of the
4 completion of the pilot program detailing the use of and evaluating the
5 effectiveness of personal video recording devices including what impact,
6 if any, the use of body-worn personal cameras has on assaultive behav-
7 iors, serious injury, death, and other indicators of increased physical
8 safety of inmates, officers and personnel, and which shall also provide
9 relevant recommendations.
10 § 2. This act shall take effect six months after it shall have become
11 a law.
