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Police chief: Legislation will likely increase body cam usage

INDIANAPOLIS (WLFI) – Indiana Gov. Mike Pence has signed in to law a bill that gives law enforcement agencies authority to withhold some video recordings taken from body cameras.

It allows police to withhold video under some circumstances. If a person challenges a decision to withhold video, the law enforcement agency will be required to prove in court that releasing the video would harm someone or influence a court proceeding.

West Lafayette Police Chief Jason Dombkowski said body cameras have helped his department.

“We are better for having body cameras in West Lafayette,” Dombkowski said. “And I think now that there is some legislation in place, that you will continue to see more and more agencies adopt body cameras across the state.”

Chief Dombkowski was an advocate of the bill, and traveled to Indianapolis to show his support among state legislators this session.

“It’s been a really great tool for our officers in the field,” said Dombkowski. “They have become accustomed to it, and we’re a better agency for having it.”

Dombkowski said the bill should also help protect the privacy of Hoosiers.

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