Posted by duijim in on November 21, 2018
Law enforcement in Georgia recently released body cam footage from a stop that occurred in October, 2018 when the driver of a vehicle claimed that he was traveling at speeds of 118 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone because he had recently replaced a part on the car and wanted to make sure that it worked properly.
At the time the stop occurred, law enforcement noticed the vehicle weaving and out of traffic at high speeds. A law enforcement officer was able to quickly stop the vehicle without incident. The driver was subsequently arrested and charged with reckless driving. Law enforcement in Duluth report that it is one of the fastest vehicle speeds ever recorded in the area.
In the state of Georgia, law enforcement officers can decide whether or not to wear a body camera. There are many important laws in the state dictating how law enforcement officers can use body cameras. If you are charged with a DUI in Georgia, it can help to understand some of the important body camera requirements.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Body Cameras
Body cameras offer law enforcement the ability to determine violations that are made by officers and help to remedy these problems. To properly protect individuals, however, body cameras must be turned on by law enforcement and these recordings must be submitted according to the department’s regulations.
Georgia Body Camera Laws
In accordance with current Georgia law, use of body cameras requires two-party consent. This means that law enforcement is prohibited from using body cameras in private areas like bathrooms.
In an effort to ensure public visibility and fairness, most body camera footage is available for review by the public. Some departments in Georgia keep recordings for six months, but others eliminate unnecessary recordings on a routine basis.
As law enforcement continues to use body cameras, it is likely that there will be additional requirements in Georgia regarding how these cameras must be operated.
Important Safety Precautions When Body Cameras are Involved
If you encounter a law enforcement officer in Georgia, there are some important steps that you should remember to take:
- Ask the law enforcement officer if the interaction is being recorded. Even if a body camera is visible on a police vehicle or on an officer’s uniform, this does not mean that the interaction is being recorded.
- Record the interaction on your own. It is important to remember that a law enforcement officer’s camera only provides one perspective of an interaction.
- Inform your attorney about any potential recordings made by law enforcement. This way, your attorney can immediately begin to take the steps necessary to help your case.
Speak with a DUI Attorney Today
Body cameras serve an important purpose in Georgia. In many cases, these cameras help to protect the rights of individuals from unfair treatment by law enforcement. If you are faced with a DUI charge in Georgia, do not hesitate to speak with an experienced DUI lawyer at Yeargan & Kert, LLC today.