Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) threw his support in principle behind a legislative effort in his home state to require that all state and local police officers in South Carolina wear body cameras.
“I believe that having law enforcement officers wear body cameras provides greater protection for both law enforcement officers and citizens,” Scott said in a statement this morning. “As the South Carolina Legislature begins consideration of S.47, a number of important questions must be asked and answered in regards to implementation of a body camera program. I look forward to a robust debate on those questions and making progress on this matter.”
“As the debate begins in South Carolina, I will continue to look at possible federal solutions in regards to this issue as well,” Scott vowed. “I am committed to working with communities, law enforcement, public officials and others to improve the interaction between police officers and communities throughout the nation.”
Scott quickly spoke out after the slaying of Walter Scott, a 50-year-old man fleeing from a traffic stop who was shot in the back by former North Charleston officer Michael Slager.
“The horrific video that came to light yesterday is deeply troubling,” the senator said April 8. “It is clear the killing of Walter Scott was unnecessary and avoidable, and my prayers are with the Scott family as they go through this ordeal. The swift action taken by [South Carolina Law Enforcement Division] and the relevant authorities upon receiving the video shows the severity of this terrible event.”
“With several protests planned today, I join community leaders in North Charleston in calling for peace. I understand the hurt, the frustration and the anger many are feeling today. But violence solves nothing,” Scott added. “We must come together as a community, as a state, and as a nation in working to bring our communities together and rebuild trust.”
The senator was born and raised in North Charleston and is no relation to the victim.
Walter Scott’s family has also called for peace and there have been no violent protests in the city.
The senator attended a memorial service for Walter Scott on Saturday, along with Rep. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.). Sanford said afterward that Congress would pursue “legislative remedies,” according to The New York Times.
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