Forensic Fridays Seminar Explores Body Cameras and Forensic Evidence

The Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law’s next Forensic Friday session will delve into the increasing use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Balancing Safety, Justice and Privacy: Body-Worn Cameras, Forensic Evidence and the Right to Know will be held on Friday, Jan. 27, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in the Power Center Ballroom and online.

Featured speakers include Erik Arneson, executive director of the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records; Pittsburgh Police Commander Clarence Trapp; and Duquesne Associate Law Professor John Rago, one of the principle drafters of PA SB 976—a bill on body-worn cameras that is pending in the Pennsylvania legislature.

The session will also examine PA SB 976 regarding how to balance the use of these cameras with wiretap violations, privacy concerns and the public’s right to know.

“Pennsylvania faces a number of unique challenges regarding the deployment of police body cameras. Officer and citizen safety, liability, wiretap considerations, privacy, and right to know considerations are only some or the challenges we face,” Rago said.

“We are moving forward cautiously in order that the legislation we are proposing in PA SB 976 fully and fairly protects police and citizens while balancing privacy and transparency interests.”

Balancing Safety, Justice and Privacy is approved by the Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Board for 3 hours of substantive CLE credit, either onsite or online. Attendees are also eligible for three hours of social work continuing education.

To register for the seminar, and for more information on the continuing education credits and the online component of the program, visit the Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law online, email wechtinstitute@duq.edu or call 412.396.1330.