On Tuesday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed legislation to allow all law enforcement agencies in the state to use cameras to catch persons who are racing or driving extremely recklessly – so called exhibition driving.
HB474 is sponsored by State Rep. Allen Treadaway (R-Morris).
“Technology is growing and most of these cities have real time crime centers is to be able eto use cameras to identify these violators and go after them,” said Treadaway. “It simply will allow our law enforcement agencies to use cameras.”
“What this bill will do is to allow law enforcement to seize the vehicle for 48 hours to proceed with the investigation,” Treadaway continued. “This applies it to the criminal statute statewide.”
“We don’t like the cameras,” said Rep. Mary Moore (D-Birmingham). “Once you open the door to use them for one thing they will use if tor other things.”
“We need to be able to use the technology that we have in order to identify the vehicles,” said Treadaway.
“The bill specifically forbids traffic cameras, red light cameras, speed cameras,” said Treadaway. “Those are for profit companies. This bill does not allow that.” “It allows only the technology manned in that department.”
Rep. Pete Riem (R-Dothan) said, “I want to thank you for bringing this. The work put into. I think this is doing a lot of good.”
“There has been an explosion with this,” Treadaway said of the rise of exhibition driving in cities across Alabama. “Obviously in our area there has been a number of deaths. There has been a number of persons sent to the hospital with critical injuries.”
“This will allow law enforcement, not using a third party, but using their technology to go after these violators,” Treadaway said. “This will really be a gamechanger.”
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“This will help recover is a car is stolen as well?” said Rep. Rolanda Hollis (D-Birmingham).
Treadaway said that 35 to 40% of the cars seized using this in Birmingham, where a local bill was passed last year, turned out to be stolen vehicles.
“Many of these are (stolen),” said Treadaway. “We are getting the victims back those cars.” “If we are able to use these cameras as we see them happening all over the city, I promise you will be showing up at your home or workplace and seize the vehicle and hold it for a minimum of 48 hours to check to see it is stolen, and many of these are.”
Rep. Mark Gidley (R-Gadsden) said, “Anything we can do to save lives is a good thing.”
“The Big Ten Mayors signed off on this,” said Treadaway. “Every law enforcement office can use this.”
Treadaway is a retired deputy police chief of the City of Birmingham. Rep. Travis Hendricks (D-Birmingham) is a police sergeant.
“Thank you for this bill,” said Rep. Hendricks. “We need these cameras.” Rep. Hendricks said. “If we identify these offenders, we can get a warrant and seize these vehicles. These cameras are important to me as a professional.”
“We need to keep these offenders in jail,” Hendricks said of repeat offenders. “They get out within 24 hours and they are planning to do it again this weekend.”
“Thank you, Sergeant,” Treadaway said. “I tell you, next year we will work on the penalties if necessary.”
The bill passed the House 102 to 0. It now goes to the Senate for their consideration. Thursday will be Day 26 of the 2024 legislative session.
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