Passed unanimously out of House Judiciary Committee, advances to floor
Legislation that aims to increase transparency between law enforcement and the community by equipping county parole officers with body cameras is advancing in the Pennsylvania House, the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie), announced Monday.
Due to the specific language of Pennsylvania’s Wiretap Act, county parole agents are currently prohibited from wearing body cameras. Bizzarro’s legislation would change the language and permit them to wear body cameras, increasing safety of both officers and parolees and promoting transparency for the community.
“This is all about promoting transparency and accountability. Body cameras help document encounters between officers and parolees accurately, protect both officers and members of the public alike, and strengthen public trust by ensuring there’s an objective record of events,” Bizzarro said. “County probation officers face similar challenges and circumstances to other law enforcement officers. It’s important that Pennsylvania law keeps pace with the tools necessary to support safety, transparency and professionalism for everyone involved.”
The push to equip county parole agents with body cameras came after the fatal shooting of 43-year-old Erie resident Marchello Woodward, who was fatally shot in July by his state parole officer during a compliance check. Although state parole officers are permitted to wear body cameras, this agent did not wear one at the time of the shooting.
“I’m leading the push for this legislation in Harrisburg after working closely with Erie County Councilman Rock Copeland and others who asked me to help address this important issue on the state level. It’s time to deliver this need for all Pennsylvania counties.”
House Bill 2299 unanimously passed the House Judiciary Committee Monday morning. It now advances to the House floor for consideration.
