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The calling for police accountability has led to a national push for body cameras on cops. As Matt Galka tells us, two bills have been proposed in the state legislature, but they could face opposition.

Florida State University’s police department has about 13 body cameras at their disposal. And they want more.

“We can go back and look at what went on or help us with our cases, it’s been a very positive thing for us,” said Maj. Jim Russell

FSU got the cameras from a contest a few years ago before the push for police accountability was brought by protests around the country. The only thing holding them up is money.

FSU PD says the best thing about the cameras is that it shows an officers view, and eliminates questions surrounding a case.

Two bills would put cameras on all cops in Florida. But Florida House Criminal Justice Subcommittee member Dennis Baxley says he doesn’t want people blaming cops and overlooking other crime.

“The mantra we’ve painted is that there’s this big problem with law enforcement mistreating people. We have an epidemic of death among young males, African American males. But 92% of those deaths are not somebody attacking them, they’re black on black crime,” said Rep. Baxley (R-Ocala).

Attorney Ben Crump, whose clients in Ferguson, Missouri are pushing for the cameras, says that if officers aren’t doing anything wrong, it wouldn’t be a problem.

“I think it would deter all crimes, people act differently when they know they’re being videoed, on both sides,” said Crump.

The Florida Senate is planning on holding a workshop for the proposed bill. Lawmakers will most likely hold off on the legislation this year and allow the departments who are currently using the cameras to give them feedback in order to craft something for next year.