Senator Nybo attends first committee as Senator

Springfield, Ill. – Approving the use of officer-worn “body” cameras in Illinois was the focus of State Sen. Chris Nybo’s first Judiciary Committee hearing as a Senator. The bipartisan, bicameral hearing took place in Chicago on Oct. 17.

“We are concerned about safeguarding the privacy rights of Illinois citizens, but are also exploring how to reasonably use these types of cameras as a way to protect the public and the officers who will be using the cameras,” explained Nybo (R-Elmhurst). “I want to ensure law enforcement officers have access to the tools needed to prosecute criminals, but not at the expense of citizens’ privacy rights.”

Currently, law enforcement officers in Illinois are prohibited from wearing body cameras. However, lawmakers called a hearing to revisit the issue in response to recent episodes of alleged police brutality and civil unrest.

Proponents contend officer-worn body cameras would increase transparency, police accountability and would offer evidentiary benefits. However, opponents cited concerns that the body cameras could infringe on citizens’ and officers’ privacy rights.