HR9 calling for JPSO to create body camera policy passes unanimously in the House
A resolution pushing the Jefferson Parish Sheriff Department to create a policy for deputies to wear body cameras was passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Criminal Justice Thursday without objection.
According to its author, Rep. Rodney Lyons House Resolution 9 was just passed by the Louisiana House of Representatives by a vote of 98 to 0.
The resolution gives Sheriff Joseph Lopinto until Jan 1 to present legislators with ideas to create a body-worn camera policy at Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, which is the largest police department in the state.
Earlier today, Lopinto said JPSO does have a body camera policy but cannot afford the cost to store video of 300,000 service calls a year.
Rep. Lyons said this resolution is meant to figure out how to overcome any obstacles to implementing cameras at JPSO, including cost.
He suggests Lopinto meet with other agencies who use and store video successfully, such as New Orleans Police Department and Baton Rouge Police Department.
Lopinto was critical of NOPD's policy to release officer-involved shooting videos to press or family before an investigation is complete.
Lopinto said in a news conference prior to the vote that HR9 "means nothing" and that the resolution does not give a solution to budget problems the department faces in purchasing the necessary equipment.