HAPCOA Invited as Panelist before White House/DOJ/BJA Body Camera Meeting

The U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs’ (OJP) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is working to develop a web-based toolkit for police agencies adopting Body Worn Camera programs. Intended as a clearinghouse for information and resources, the toolkit will provide guidance and act as a model policy for law enforcement agencies across the United States.  Invited to attend the DOJ meeting and representing HAPCOA was Joe Perez, President, National Capitol Region Chapter.

On Friday, February 27, 2015, the BJA hosted the Body-Worn Camera panel at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the West Wing of the White House. Locally invited panel members included representatives from the Hispanic American Police Command Officers’ Association (HAPCOA), the United Black Police Officers’ Association (UBPOA) and the Hispanic National Law Enforcement Association (HNLEA). Panel experts addressed a number of professional, legal, and social issues related to the adoption of Body-Worn Cameras. Other panel experts from around the Country offered their experience and technical expertise to ensure that a comprehensive toolkit could be assembled. National representatives include those from the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Chief of Police of Pittsburgh Police Department, Chief of Police of New Orleans Police Department, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff, and other criminal justice partners.

During the panel discussion, BJA Director, Denise O’Donnell encouraged participants to share their insights and experiences regarding the implementation and use of body worn cameras. In particular, what lessons have been learned that would assist agencies and advocates to implement their own body-worn camera programs? What issues may agencies encounter with regard to officer and citizen privacy rights? Where are there gaps in existing resources that could be addressed through the body-worn camera toolkit?

Through panel discussion the group was able to provide content for the toolkit that will ensure transparency and diversity of perspective. All panel member participants were honored for having been invited and appreciate the opportunity to be on the ground floor with setting national police standards.

Joe Perez, President
HAPCOA National Capital Region
PO Box 766 Cheltenham MD 20623
WWW.HAPCOANCR.ORG 240-303-2092

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