All federal task forces nationwide will be permitted by the Justice Department to use body cameras for executing warrants, Attorney General William Barr announced Thursday.
"After spending a substantial amount of time examining this issue, assessing the results of the pilot program, and taking into account the interests and priorities of all the law enforcement agencies involved, I am pleased to announce that the department will permit the use of body-worn cameras on our federal task forces in specific circumstances," AG Barr wrote in a statement.
"The Department of Justice has no higher priority than ensuring the safety and security of the American people and this policy will continue to help us fulfill that mission."
Among the federal forces that assist local police targeting crime, narcotics, and fugitives, are the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
There are some limitations, particularly to protect sources and methods of undercover operations, according to the guidelines:
"TFOs are prohibited from recording: (1) undercover personnel; (2) confidential informants or confidential sources; (3) on-scene witness interviews prior to or after the operation; (4) personnel using specialized or sensitive investigative techniques or equipment; or (5) onscene actions by any non-law enforcement persons who are assisting law enforcement personnel prior to or after the operation."
Eric Mack ✉
Eric Mack has been a writer and editor at Newsmax since 2016. He is a 1998 Syracuse University journalism graduate and a New York Press Association award-winning writer.
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