The New England First Amendment Coalition and its Access/RI partners are again asking that changes be made to police body camera regulations.
The groups wrote to the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General in 2024 with a list of suggested changes, but most recommendations were not incorporated into recent policy revisions.
“Transparency is critical within law enforcement agencies, especially when there is an officer-involved shooting,” they explained in a follow-up letter the following year. NEFAC and its partners are now calling on the Attorney General’s Office for a third time in three years to make the necessary changes.
The coalition’s efforts to revise the regulations began in 2022. Access/RI previously called for changes that year with NEFAC also independently submitting testimony on draft versions of the policy. Journalist and NEFAC Rhode Island advisor 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.
Policy recommendations 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.
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 is the region’s leading defender of the First Amendment and open government. The coalition began 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 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 appreciates the support of all its donors and contributors. In particular, we would like to recognize the Estate of Gloria L. Negri, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the following Leadership Circle donors: Rhode Island Foundation, The Boston Globe, Paul and Ann Sagan, The Harbus Foundation, Boston University and the Robertson Foundation. Major Supporters of NEFAC’s work include Hearst Connecticut Media Group, Gravel & Shea PC, the Academy of New England Journalists, and Truro News.