Some Minnesota police chiefs plan to seek state approval to temporarily restrict access to body camera footage while they make a renewed push for law changes at the Capitol. Their drive for limits fell short last session as lawmakers grappled with how to regulate the fast-spreading technology.
Body cameras for police officers are a hot topic these days, not only in places like Missouri and New York, but across the nation. Members of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association will be hearing about the "pros and cons" of the cameras during their annual conference in St. Cloud this week.
Minnesota Republican Senator John Pederson of St. Cloud says he has privacy concerns with police using body cameras. Supporters say the cameras would help keep police accountable and provide valuable evidence. However, some lawmakers are concerned about storage and privacy.
The Waite Park police department is looking at adding a body camera system to their officers later this year. The department has gotten the green light from the city and the potential purchase has been calculated into this years budget.