Senate panel Oks bill for body cameras for all SC officers

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A Senate subcommittee has advanced a bill requiring all South Carolina police officers to wear body cameras.

The measure approved Wednesday has a long way to go. The Senate Judiciary Committee will consider it next week. It would also have to go to the House.

A murder charge against an officer who shot an unarmed man after a North Charleston traffic stop has given the bill additional urgency.

The measure requires a group of state officials, sheriffs, police chiefs and others to develop body cameras guidelines within six months after the bill passes. Local agencies would then submit their own body camera policies to the group.

The bill also develops a fund to help agencies pay for the cameras. Senators promised to find money, but were not specific.

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