Michigan Police Could Soon Be Forced to Wear Body Cams

An announcement from the White House earlier this week could force Michigan police to start wearing body cams. President Barack Obama is asking Congress to approve over $75 million to purchase tens of thousands of body cams for our nation’s law enforcement officers.

Although some Michigan lawmakers fully support the idea of cops being documented with cameras, most argue the funding should come from individual states rather than from Uncle Sam.

“I’m glad the feds are adding to the idea that having body cameras is a good idea,” McMillin told Mlive. “But, I don’t think it’s a proper role for the feds and there will likely be strings attached and perhaps privacy/database issues.”

It is for this reason that Representative Tom McMillin introduced a bill last month aimed at making it mandatory for all Michigan police officers to wear body cameras. These devices would be worn by any officer carrying a gun, and paid for under the Michigan State Police budget.

McMillin’s body cam bill is scheduled to be heard later this week by the House Criminal Justice Committee.