Proposed PA Bill Would Have Parole Agents Wear Body Cameras

HARRISBURG — A hearing addressing a proposal by a Montgomery County state legislator that would allow state parole agents to wear body cameras during the course of their duties will be heard in committee on Tuesday.

State Rep. Todd Stephens, a Montgomery County Republican, is the prime sponsor of House Bill 2344, which is a measure that would allow parole agents to wear body cameras while visiting the homes of parolees.

State legislative records shows that the bill will come before the House Judiciary Committee during a hearing on Tuesday in Harrisburg.

Stephens, who represents the 151st Legislative District, had announced back in January that he would be introducing legislation that would authorize state parole agents with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to wear body cameras cable of capturing their encounters with parolees.

Pennsylvania law currently prohibits state parole agents from wearing body cameras, even though other members of law enforcement — such as local police, state troopers and sheriff deputies — are permitted to wear such devices.

"Like other members of law enforcement, State Parole Agents routinely place themselves in harm's way when effectuating their duties and responsibilities, which include the monitoring of State parolees," Stephens wrote in his January memorandum seeking co-sponsorship for the legislation.

Stephens said that recordings from the body cameras would provide a "degree of transparency that will undoubtedly improve community relations, reduce instances of liability when false accusations are made and ensure that State Parole Agents are held accountable for their actions."

Legislative records show that the bill, which was referred to the House Judiciary Committee back in February, now has seven cosponsors.