NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Getting access to police body camera video, even in your own case, can be a challenge in Tennessee.
A previous FOX 17 News investigation found a lack of laws specifically governing police body camera footage. Our reporting also found body camera policies differed across the Midstate- and are not required by Tennessee law. That means what’s recorded, what’s deleted, and when citizens are allowed access to the footage can vary from department to department.
Lawmakers have now introduced multiple bills this session, aimed at creating more uniform standards and more access for citizens, regarding body camera video in Tennessee.
Out-of-state, out of luck
Body camera video is considered one of the most pivotal advances in modern policing- for both the public and officers. But for Labreesha Batey, watching the body camera footage from her DUI arrest took more than a year. A judge later dismissed the charge after tests showed she had nothing in her system…