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Bill Empowers Citizens To Use Cell Phone Cameras During Police Altercations

Sen. Charleta Tavares (D-Columbus)
Ohio Senate
Sen. Charleta Tavares (D-Columbus)

The use of high-tech, expensive body cameras has become a big topic in the world of law enforcement. But one state lawmaker thinks there’s a way to utilize a tool to increase accountability that’s already within everyone’s reach. 

Democratic Senator Charleta Tavares of Columbus believes body cameras can help police officers do their jobs, shine a light on possible excessive force, or even exonerate officers who are wrongly accused of brutality.

But Tavares has introduced a bill that would strengthen the public’s right to use their own devices, such as phones, to record police altercations. 

“They may be further back and see a wider view of what’s taking place. If the body camera is right up on the person…you would have a very narrow view,” said Tavares.

Tavares says helping people understand that they already have the right to record interactions with police is another component of the bill.

Copyright 2016 The Statehouse News Bureau

Andy Chow is a general assignment state government reporter who focuses on environmental, energy, agriculture, and education-related issues. He started his journalism career as an associate producer with ABC 6/FOX 28 in Columbus before becoming a producer with WBNS 10TV.