A traffic stop involving New Hampshire Democratic state Rep. Ellen Read, who was accused of driving 107 mph, has reignited debate over police body and dashboard cameras. Fox News Digital confirmed that the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office, which conducted the stop, lacks both body-worn and dashboard cameras due to funding shortfalls.

Read is currently fighting charges from two traffic stops in Rockingham County, including the high-speed incident. She contends that both stops violated a provision of the New Hampshire Constitution that protects lawmakers while traveling to and from legislative duties. Read admitted in court to driving about 85 mph and is willing to accept a speeding ticket but disputes the deputy's claim that she was driving 107 mph recklessly.

Rockingham County Sheriff's Office Major Christopher Bashaw told Fox News Digital the agency does not use body or dashboard cameras because it lacks the funds to purchase them. Read said the absence of body cameras is why she plans to invest in a dash cam herself.

Legal experts, including Lawrence Friedman, a professor at New England Law, note that the constitutional provision in question dates back centuries and was designed to prevent lawmakers from being delayed during legislative duties, not to grant blanket immunity from traffic stops or criminal prosecution. Friedman added it is unlikely a court would grant absolute immunity from arrest for moving violations solely because the individual is a legislator.

The lack of official video recordings from the stop has become a central issue in Read's legal battle, underscoring ongoing challenges related to law enforcement funding and accountability.

Sources