A pilot program to trial the use of body-worn cameras by outreach workers engaging with unsheltered individuals.

This bill would require that the commissioner of social services establish a pilot program to trial the use of body-worn cameras by outreach workers conducting outreach to unsheltered individuals. No later than a year after the program ends, the commissioner would be required to submit a report detailing: the cost, benefits, and challenges of implementing the program; data related to number of contacts made by outreach workers participating in the program as well as its impact on outreach placement rates; an assessment of the outreach worker training curriculum based on an evaluation of the footage; and a recommendation on whether to make permanent or expand the pilot. The commissioner would be required to make a redacted version of the footage available for a council member to view within 30 days of the council member’s request.