Video: Legislative Black Caucus Supports Body Camera Bill

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Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — The push for officer body cameras in South Carolina continued at the Statehouse Wednesday. The South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus gathered to show support for legislation that would implement body cameras statewide. Earlier this week, both House and Senate committees advanced separate versions of body camera bills that will next head to their respective floors for debate. While the Legislative Black Caucus commended the efforts of both committees, they said there is still more work to be done. It’s been nearly three weeks since the deadly officer-involved shooting in North Charleston, that’s put the issue officer body cameras on the fast track at the Statehouse. “The world is watching South Carolina,” said Representative Wendell Gilliard. “People have to understand this is not just a problem in South Carolina but this is a nationwide problem.” With two separate proposals set for debate on their respective floors as early as this week, members of the Black Caucus are commending lawmakers for acting quickly. “I think all of us agree the most important element is that it passes,” said Representative Ronnie Sabb. “I think all of our law officers and our citizens, we must do what we have to do with these bills and do it with expediency,” said Representative Gilliard. Representative Gilliard said requiring body cameras on officers will add greater transparency, but added the North Charleston shooting shed light on other issues. “If we don’t admit that there is a problem when it comes to black males in this country then people, I’ll be like old Nostradamus, we’ll be right back here again,” said Rep. Gilliard. Representative Gilliard said stricter background check policies, CPR criteria, and where these incidents stem from, all need to be a prime focus. “We have to look at the question, a person being stopped for a tail-light, that person decides for whatever reason to just run and he’s being shot down like a deer,” explained Representative Gilliard. While lawmakers work towards greater change, they said they want to honor Walter Scott by naming the body camera legislation, the Walter Scott Bill.