WASHINGTON, DC — A new pilot program is going to allow federally deputized task force officers will be allowed to wear body cameras for the first time ever.
On Monday, the Justice Department announced the technology will be used while serving arrest warrants and executing search warrants.
“I am pleased that this pilot program takes into account the interests and priorities of all the law enforcement agencies involved in federal task forces,” said Attorney General William P. Barr in a statement.
Barr says the program will help the department achieve its mission of keeping Americans safe, “These are some of the most dangerous jobs in law enforcement, and I am grateful for the sacrifice of those who serve. The Department of Justice has no higher priority than ensuring the safety and security of the American people and this pilot program will continue to help us fulfill that mission.”
The Department of Justice partnered with its law enforcement agencies, partners with state, local and tribal law enforcement on hundreds of federal task forces nationwide, many reporting they had requested their officers wear these cameras on federal task forces when the use of force is possible.
“We appreciate the Attorney General’s intentions to improve accountability through DOJ’s new body worn camera pilot policy,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement. “The FBI’s very mission is to protect the American public and uphold the Constitution. We value the continued support of our task force officers as our close collaboration is a vital part of that mission. It’s our hope this program will help us to fulfill our mission and build trust within our communities – a common goal among all of our task force partners.”
The pilot program will go into effect in select cities on November 1, 2019.
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