On August 17, 2020, the Hillsborough County Sheriff unveiled new body-worn cameras that will be worn and utilized by uniformed patrol Deputies as well as other units within the Department. Body worn cameras offer the potential to provide transparency in policing and are often utilized as evidence within criminal investigations against suspects, as well as investigations against law enforcement officers.

As a criminal defense attorney in practice for over sixteen years, I recall when no departments utilized body worn cameras. Instead, a certain limited number of patrol cars had dash cam footage that was not always reliable and did not always capture relevant portions of an interaction. Now, body worn cameras are much more common in jurisdictions around the country. They have proven very useful in the defense of certain criminal charges and generally portray the scene when utilized properly. However, there are downsides with body worn cameras that are not always considered. First, they do not capture everything and do not capture every angle or perspective. They obviously do not capture footage from before or after their activation either. Further, there are times when they malfunction or the footage is not secured for one reason or another. Finally, since they do not capture every perspective, the footage can be surprisingly misleading in certain circumstances. It should also be noted that body worn cameras provide footage that is often broadcast publicly for reasons that have little or nothing to do with criminal justice and instead are utilized to essentially entertain viewers. For more information regarding the impact of the Surveillance of Crime and Digital Evidence, click here.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff announced today that the cameras being employed will automatically activate when overhead lights are activated and also if weapons are drawn. Further, they will enable law enforcement to remotely view the camera footage live in order to assess situations and provide assistance. Standard operating procedures will be employed. The footage should be remotely uploaded to the cloud and by September of 2020 all uniform-patrol deputies should be utilizing the cameras as well as courthouse security deputies and other units.

Overall, the use of body worn cameras should provide for greater transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system. If you have questions regarding a Hillsborough County criminal case, or need to speak with TampaCriminal Attorney Ron Frey, please contact The Frey Law Firm, LLC today for a free initial consultation.

The Frey Law Firm’s primary office is near the courthouse in Tampa, Florida and Tampa Attorney Ron Frey represents clients charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses in Hillsborough County, Tampa and beyond.

The Hillsborough County Bar Association (HCBA) held its Welcome Back Membership Reception last evening at The Vault in downtown Tampa. It was a wonderful evening and event and demonstrated the strong collegiality and professionalism amongst the members of the Hillsborough Bar.

Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Ron Frey, The Frey Law Firm, is an active member of the Hillsborough County Bar Association. The HCBA is a voluntary bar association in Tampa, Florida and has nearly 4,000 members consisting of judges, lawyers and other legal professionals. The HCBA’s stated mission is to promote respect for the law and the justice system through service to the legal profession and the community. The HCBA contributes greatly to both the Tampa legal community and the greater Tampa region.

The HCBA event at The Vault in downtown Tampa, Florida

HCBA at The Vault in Downtown Tampa – Membership Event

If you are in search of a Tampa Attorney, please do not hesitate to contact Attorney Ron Frey and The Frey Law Firm for a free initial consultation. Attorney Frey is an experienced criminal defense attorney who serves clients in Tampa, Florida and beyond. We look forward to speaking with you.

Tampa Criminal Attorney Ron Frey established The Frey Law Firm’s primary office in Tampa, Florida in order to better serve his clients charged with criminal offenses in Hillsborough County and beyond. If you are under investigation, or have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense, please do not hesitate to contact our office for a free initial consultation with an experience Criminal Defense Attorney in Tampa, Florida.

If you have questions regarding a Tampa Computer Crime, or if you are under investigation and would like to speak with a Tampa Computer Lawyer or Tampa Internet Attorney, please contact our office or visit us on the web at our Internet Crime Attorney website, InternetCrime.com.

The Frey Law Firm is pleased to announce that Attorney Ron Frey has been selected once again for inclusion as a Super Lawyer for 2019! This special honor is reserved for lawyers who exhibit excellence within their area of practice. Tampa Attorney Frey is a criminal defense lawyer who is widely known and recognized as a zealous advocate for his clients.

DISTINCTIVE HONOR

Less than 5% of attorneys are recognized as a SuperLawyer. Attorney Frey was first selected as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2010 and has been recognized by Super Lawyers each year since.

Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer Ron Frey – SuperLawyer Selection – 2019.

Super Lawyers are selected following a rigorous peer-reviewed process based upon the attorney’s achievements and experience. Attorney Frey and The Frey Law Firm are committed to excellence in the representation of their clients. The Frey Law Firm has offices in Tampa, Florida, Charlotte, North Carolina and Cleveland, Ohio.

CONTACT THE TAMPA CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW FIRM

If you have a legal issue or question, please do not hesitate to contact Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Frey and The Frey Law Firm for a free initial consultation and review.The firm has offices in Hillsborough County and serves clients throughout the State of Florida.

If you, or someone you know, is in need of a Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer or is under investigation or has been charged with a criminal offense, please contact our law firm today.

• Hillsborough Sheriff Unveils Body Cameras in Tampa
• Tampa Criminal Attorney Ron Frey
• “Are my Communications Wiretapped?”
• Hillsborough County Bar Association Event in Tampa
• All Charges Dismissed Against Air Traffic Controller & Firefighter