MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Judiciary B
By: Representative Dixon
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 21-21-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES OF MUNICIPALITIES TO PROVIDE POLICE OFFICERS WHO ARE ON DUTY WITH CAMERAS THAT ARE TO BE WORN ON THE UNIFORMS OF SUCH OFFICERS; TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR POLICE OFFICERS WHO FAIL TO WEAR SUCH CAMERAS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 21-21-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
21-21-3. (1) The governing authorities of municipalities shall have the power and authority to employ, regulate and support a sufficient police force or night marshals, to define the duties thereof, and to furnish and supply all suitable and necessary equipment therefor, and to furnish and supply all suitable and necessary equipment, which shall include the equipment described in subsection (2) of this section.
(2) The governing authorities of municipalities shall provide all police officers while they are on patrol with cameras which shall be worn on the uniforms of the officers.
(3) If any police officer fails to wear a camera while on duty, as required by this section, then the officer shall be subject to the penalties prescribed in Section 2 of this act.
SECTION 2. Any police officer who fails to wear a camera on his or her uniform, as required by Section 21-21-3, is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisonment not to exceed six (6) months, or both.
SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2016.