Justice Department launching program to let task force officers wear body cameras

The U.S. Department of Justice is launching a pilot program that will allow federal task force officers to use body-worn cameras while serving arrest or search warrants.

The Department of Justice oversees hundreds of federal task forces throughout the nation, which work with law enforcement to combat crime. Several of the Department’s partner state and local agencies require their officers to wear body-worn cameras. They have requested their officers wear these cameras on federal task forces when the use of force is possible.

“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,” U.S. Attorney General William Barr said. “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 pilot program will go into effect in select cities on Nov. 1, 2019. The Justice Department has gotten support and guidance from the U.S. Marshals Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation on this initiative.

“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,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said.