Indiana

Police body camera committee hears about positive impact of body cameras, fears of unconstitutionality

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — An urban versus rural divide emerged during a state legislative committee’s discussion of possible restrictions on the use of body cameras by Indiana police agencies.

West Lafayette Police Chief Jason Dombkowski said Tuesday he’s seen a drop in complaints about excessive force since his department started using the cameras roughly a year ago.

Dombkowski says everyone tends to behave better when they know they’re being recorded.

But Steuben County Sheriff Tim Troyer fears mandatory cameras would destroy trust between his deputies and those living in the rural northeastern Indiana county. And he says the cameras could violate constitutional privacy protections.

The Interim Study Committee on Government is expected to make recommendations for legislators to consider during the General Assembly session that starts in January.

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