Guam § 77401 - Legislative Findings and Intent.
Full text of Guam Guam Code Annotated § 77401 — Legislative Findings and Intent., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 77401. Legislative Findings and Intent.
(a) I Liheslaturan Guåhan finds that body-worn cameras are video and audio recording devices that
police, sheriff and highway patrol officers wear as part of their uniforms to document what they observe as
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they perform their duties. Body-worn cameras continue to be a popular focus for state and city lawmakers
as they consider and enact legislation to address police-community relations.
(b) Body-worn camera laws generally limit public dissemination of camera footage except for
statutorily specified purposes. Some jurisdictions permit the release of footage to the people involved in a
recording, or to their attorneys. Other jurisdictions allow release in instances where the public interest
outweighs the need for confidentiality. Some jurisdictions allow the release of footage, but recordings can
be withheld if they reveal confidential information or identify people accused of, but not charged with, a
crime.
(c) I Liheslaturan Guåhan further finds that body-worn cameras have become increasingly popular in
recent years as a means to prevent or document officer misconduct while on duty. However, these devices
are unpopular among law enforcement officers as everything that they say or do while on duty is recorded,
including times when officers have a reasonable expectation of privacy. The other concern from law
enforcement officers is that recorded criticism of fellow officers or supervisors may be used against them.
To balance the needs of the public, investigators, prosecutors, defense attorneys and victims, the use and
release of body-worn cameras recordings should be subject to a fair and concise policy.
(d) Therefore, it is the intent of I Liheslaturan Guåhan to allow the Guam Police Department to
implement a body-worn camera program, and to allow the Chief of Police to develop rules and regulations
to administer the program.
2024 NOTE: Subsection designations added pursuant to the authority of 1 GCA § 1606.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guam § 77401
What does Guam Code Annotated § 77401 cover?
Section 77401 ("Legislative Findings and Intent.") is part of the Guam Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Guam. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Guam § 77401?
A common citation format is "Guam Code Annotated § 77401" (Guam). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Guam law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Guam official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Guam attorney.
How does Guam § 77401 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Guam can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Guam.