The Black and Puerto Rican Caucus in backing a proposed bill to prevent excessive use of force by police in Connecticut.  

A legislative committee has stripped a bill of language that would require Connecticut police officers to wear body cameras.  The provision likely wouldn't have passed because of the high cost.  The underlying bill would require better use-of-force training for police. It also would require prosecutors from other districts to investigate acts of deadly force by police.  Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano says it's a needed bill.

A second bill that would create a pilot program for police body cameras is still moving through the legislature. That bill would require participating departments to report back to the legislature in 2017. 

Neither bill has been voted on, except in committee.

New Milford Representative Cecilia Buck-Taylor says mandating body cameras would be "an overreach of the state.'' She said it should be left up to individual municipalities.  Some lawmakers also raised concerns about people's privacy rights potentially being violated if they're caught on camera.

The use of body cameras by Ridgefield Police will be discussed by a committee of the Department.  The committee formation was prompted by recent incidents across the country involving use of force by police.  The discussion would include cost, how long to store footage and when the cameras would be used.

Danbury Police traffic units use body-style cameras that are attached over the ear at eye level to see exactly what the officer is looking at.  Patrol officers have cameras mounted in the cars that are forward facing. The officers have microphones that are attached to their shirts.

Wilton Police recently received a donation to purchase 5 body cameras for patrol officers.  The Department currently has in-car video capability.