Prison Camera Reform Act of 2021

Hozzl · 2022-12-30T08:18:25Z

Explore the details of House Bill 5975 Prison Camera Reform Act of 2021 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Crime and Law Enforcement. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/30/2022, 8:18 AM

Summary of Bill HR 5975

Bill 117 HR 5975, also known as the Prison Camera Reform Act of 2021, aims to address the issue of transparency and accountability within the US prison system by requiring the installation of cameras in all federal prisons. The bill mandates that these cameras be placed in common areas such as dining halls, recreation areas, and cell blocks, with the goal of monitoring both the actions of inmates and prison staff.

The legislation also includes provisions for the storage and access of footage captured by these cameras, ensuring that it is securely stored and only accessed by authorized personnel for investigative or security purposes. Additionally, the bill requires that all footage be retained for a minimum of one year to allow for review in the case of incidents or complaints.

Supporters of the Prison Camera Reform Act argue that increased surveillance will help to prevent incidents of abuse, violence, and misconduct within the prison system, as well as provide a level of transparency that is currently lacking. Critics, however, raise concerns about privacy issues for both inmates and staff, as well as the potential for misuse of the footage by prison officials. Overall, the bill represents a significant step towards improving oversight and accountability within the US prison system, and has the potential to have a positive impact on the safety and well-being of both inmates and staff.

Congressional Summary of HR 5975

Prison Camera Reform Act of 2021

This bill establishes various requirements to ensure that the security camera, radio, and public address systems used by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) have the capabilities necessary to (1) ensure the health and safety of staff and inmates; and (2) ensure the documentation and accessibility of video evidence pertaining to misconduct, maltreatment, or criminal activity within correctional facilities.

Among the requirements, the BOP must evaluate the systems currently in use at its facilities and implement a plan that addresses deficiencies in and makes upgrades to the systems.

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Current Status of Bill HR 5975

Bill HR 5975 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since November 15, 2021. Bill HR 5975 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on November 15, 2021. Bill HR 5975's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. as of November 1, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 5975

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Total Number of Cosponsors

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 5975

Primary Policy Focus

Crime and Law Enforcement

Potential Impact Areas

Assault and harassment offensesCongressional oversightCorrectional facilities and imprisonmentCrime preventionGovernment studies and investigationsIntelligence activities, surveillance, classified informationLaw enforcement officersPhotography and imagingScience, Technology, CommunicationsSound recordingWorker safety and health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 5975

Prison Camera Reform Act of 2021Prison Camera Reform Act of 2021To require the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to address deficiencies and make necessary upgrades to the security camera and radio systems of the Bureau of Prisons to ensure the health and safety of employees and inmates.

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