Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, a bill designed to rebuild trust between law enforcement agencies and New Mexico’s communities by requiring officers to wear body-worn cameras passed the House of Representatives. Here is a statement from the New Mexico House Democrats:
Sponsored by Senator Joseph Cervantes (D–Las Cruces), Senate Bill 8 requires all law enforcement agencies to mandate the use of body cams by officers and agencies who routinely interact with the public while on duty.
Cases and lawsuits arising out of officer-community encounters often depend upon conflicting accounts of the events from law enforcement and community members. Senate Bill 8 provides law enforcement and other agencies video footage to ensure due process and protect both sides in cases arising out of officer-community encounters.
“Body-worn cameras are already used by law enforcement agencies in 26 of 33 New Mexico counties. We must do more to increase transparency and accountability across law enforcement agencies,” said Representative Micaela Lara Cadena (D–Mesilla). “I am proud to have debated Senate Bill 8 on the House floor. This legislation is a step in the right direction towards a future without police violence and abuse, fostering a safer New Mexico for all New Mexicans.”
Disciplinary action may be imposed for: failure to operate the camera according to agency procedure; intentional manipulation of camera recording; prematurely erasing recording (video recordings must be saved for 120 days). The bill also requires that an officer’s certification be revoked if the officer is convicted or pleads guilty or no contest of a crime involving the use of force (or failure to intervene).
Senate Bill 8 passed the House of Representatives in a 44-26 vote and is now on to the governor’s desk.