H.R. 5051: To require members of the Armed Forces performing active service in the District of Columbia in response to an order of the President which relates to crime or civil disturbance in the District of Columbia to participate in a program substantially similar to the Body-Worn Camera Program of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia.

The bill requires that any member of the Armed Forces who is on active duty in the District of Columbia, specifically in response to a presidential order related to crime or civil disturbances, must participate in a body-worn camera program. This program would be similar to the existing Body-Worn Camera Program of the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C. Under this requirement, the service members would need to wear cameras that record their actions while performing their duties in the district. The bill stipulates that this requirement would come into effect 30 days after the enactment of the law.

Key Provisions

• Mandatory Participation: Members of the Armed Forces are mandated to wear body cameras while on active service in D.C. during specified situations.
• Program Similarity: The program is to be designed in a way that aligns closely with the existing Body-Worn Camera Program established by local law.
• Implementation Timeline: The requirement would become effective within one month of the bill becoming law.

Context and Purpose

The intent behind the bill is to ensure transparency and accountability for military personnel who are engaged in law enforcement-like activities in urban areas, especially during instances of unrest. By requiring body cameras, the legislation aims to document interactions between service members and the public, potentially enhancing public trust and oversight during emergency situations in the District of Columbia.

Relevance of Existing Programs

The bill references an established program within the Metropolitan Police Department, suggesting a framework that has already been developed and may serve as a model for implementing this requirement for the Armed Forces.

Enforcement

Compliance with the body camera requirement would likely involve provisions on how the cameras are used, the data recorded, and protocols for handling that data, echoing similar stipulations in civilian law enforcement body camera policies.

Relevant Companies

None found