SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s Democratic governor has signed legislation to require that police officers wear body cameras as a deterrent against excessive use of force.
Signed Wednesday, the policing reforms apply to local and state law enforcement officers with the exception of tribal agencies.
The state’s Democrat-led legislature approved bill in June during a four-day special session.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham first called for the body camera requirements amid demonstrations set off by George Floyd’s killing at the hands of Minneapolis police.
A bill sponsor has invoked the death of Antonio Valenzuela at the hands of Las Cruces police officers in a video-recorded encounter in February that has led to charge of involuntary manslaughter against one officer.
