Louisiana Scores:
State Summary
Louisiana enacted a policy in 2021 that requires the adoption of policies for body-worn cameras by departments, though it establishes no guidelines for the policies. The law requires that dash cams be activated whenever the vehicle’s emergency lights are activated.
Details
Recording Policy
Louisiana requires local departments to establish policies for the use of body-worn cameras, but establishes no standards for those policies.1
10/30 points
Data Policy
State law prevents the release of footage that violates an individual’s reasonable expectation of privacy.2
20/30 points
Body-Worn Camera Requirement
State law does not require law enforcement agencies to use body-worn cameras.
0/20 points
Funding
To the extent local law enforcement agencies are funded by the state, a portion of those funds can support the purchase and maintenance of body-worn cameras to promote safety and accountability in policing. Proceeds from forfeited assets can also be prioritized for the purchase and maintenance of body-worn cameras. While Louisiana does use state dollars to fund local law enforcement agencies, the state does not appropriate funding specifically for body-worn cameras.
0/20 points
Sources
1. LA Rev Stat § 40:2551
2. LA Rev Stat § 44:3