Please join me in co-sponsoring legislation that will authorize the following law enforcement officers to wear body cameras:  
Ten years ago, we passed legislation that became Act 202, granting authority for trained officers of PFBC and PGC to wear body cameras.  Waterways Conservation Officers of the Fish & Boat Commission and certain Officers and Wildlife Conservation Officers (now known as State Game Wardens) of the Game Commission were thus able to receive training and wear these devices.  At that time, deputies of the agencies were purposefully excluded, and this prohibition remains in statute.    
 
Body worn cameras are an invaluable tool for modern law enforcement.  They provide an accurate and unbiased account of officer engagement, protecting the integrity of citizens and officers alike.  In this case, the importance is amplified as law enforcement from these agencies work independently and in remote areas, oftentimes in locations that have poor radio and cellphone coverage, and frequently encounter individuals who are themselves armed.  Additionally, the nature of law enforcement within these agencies is evolving as officers are increasingly confronting serious drug activity and other criminal cases outside of the scope of sporting safety, wildlife protection, and outdoor recreation.      
 
Keeping with current law, this is not a mandate.  Rather, the final decision will reside with each agency on the timeline of its choosing. 
 
Introduction of Senate Bill 1194, which passed the Game & Fisheries Committee unanimously late last session, generated interest from DCNR to have their Rangers and State Park Officers included in the new bill.  Previous co-sponsors included Senators Pennycuick, Robinson, Santarsiero, Schwank, Vogel, and J. Ward.
 
I invite you to join in this effort to offer increased protections for our Deputy Waterways Conservation Officers, Deputy State Game Wardens, and DCNR Rangers and State Park Officers.
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0489: 18-5702, P.L.469, No.210, P.L.6, No.3