Washington, DC – Yesterday, Congressman Donald Norcross championed a successful effort to increase federal funds for police body-worn cameras during debate of H.R. 2578, the FY 2016 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (CJS) bill. 
 
As written, the bill severely underfunded President Obama’s new Body Worn Camera Partnership Program, a pilot effort rolled out by the President during his recent visit to Camden City. Norcross joined Congressmen Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), and William Lacy Clay (MO-01) to offer an amendment restoring the House leadership's proposed cuts that threaten access to body cameras for countless departments throughout the country looking to modernize their technology and improve their response. The amendment was adopted by the House and final consideration of H.R. 2578 is expected this evening. 

“Plain and simple, body cameras protect police and the public alike,” said Congressman Norcross. “This technology is the logical next step in improving the quality and transparency of our law enforcement. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is priceless. To deny our hardworking officers access to the very best equipment available is to do them and the public a disservice, which is why I am fighting to expand use of these cameras.“
  
As a member of the New Jersey State Senate and with the support of law enforcement associations, Rep. Norcross spearheaded efforts to install dashboard cameras in patrol vehicles and expand the use of body worn cameras by our state’s patrol officers. State legislators are continuing to work on this effort following Rep. Norcross’ election to Congress. Congressman Norcross will continue fighting to ensure our law enforcement officials have access to the most advanced technology available to perform their duties protecting the public.