California state assemblyman calls on all CHP officers to wear body cameras

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A state lawmaker has what he calls a bold proposal - require all California Highway Patrol officers to wear body cameras in the field.

Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer represents the 59th District and chairs the Legislative Black Caucus. He said police brutality has become a major problem across America. He believes one way to solve that issue is by turning to modern technology.

Many consider body cameras the next evolution in law enforcement. Several local departments, including the Los Angeles Police Department, have approved their use. Jones-Sawyer said it needs to go statewide, beginning with the CHP.

"At the end of the day, California has always led the way. And if we're going to do this and we're going to do this right nationally, California has to start it first," Jones-Sawyer said.

Jones-Sawyer is working with other lawmakers to enact legislation requiring CHP officers wear video cameras. This is a move that he says would increase transparency while protecting both the public and officers.

"Technology is the next forefront. I'm not trying to turn anyone into 'Robocop' but we definitely need to have the public see what's going on in interactions between police officers and the public," he said.

In a statement, the CHP said:

"We have been collaborating the last couple of months and are actively researching the available technology. This includes discussions with different vendors and allied agencies with the purpose of pursuing a pilot program for the CHP in the near future."

The assemblyman said the cameras would cost between $400 and $600 per officer. With close to 8,000 CHP officers, that adds up to between $3 and $4 million, which he says is available in this year's budget.

Another $6 million per year would be needed for maintenance and storage.

Given how much lawsuits can cost the department and the tension between the public and police, Jones-Sawyer said body cameras are a smart investment in public trust.

"I look at this as a reinvestment, investing in our cops so that they ultimately become the best state police law enforcement that you can have," he said.

Jones-Sawyer said he hopes to have that bill written in the next six months and approved by the end of the year. However, getting the program implemented and having CHP officers wear the body cameras likely won't happen until 2016.