MS SB2371

Creates the Community Policing and Transparency Act to establish statewide procedures for law enforcement use of body-worn cameras, including activation requirements during calls for service and investigative encounters.

Requires officers to activate cameras at the first reasonable opportunity unless an immediate threat to safety makes activation impossible, and prohibits deactivation until the encounter concludes, with limited exceptions for undercover operations, strip searches, and communications with other law enforcement.

Mandates retention of body-worn camera footage for 90 days minimum, with automatic 3-year retention for incidents involving use of force, arrests, or formal complaints, and allows voluntary extension requests by officers, victims, or individuals filmed.

Establishes that certain footage is exempt from the Mississippi Public Records Act unless the subject of a complaint or person making a voluntary retention request consents to public release.

Imposes disciplinary requirements for officers who fail to follow recording or retention protocols, creates rebuttable presumptions favoring criminal defendants and civil plaintiffs when officers intentionally interfere with camera functionality, and requires agencies to post policies online.