Want to know from the RadioReference community what your thoughts are on police beginning to use body cameras. Think it's a good idea? Think it's a bad idea? Think it hinders the idea that police have discretion to write you a ticket and or enforce the law??
Police and their use of body cameras
- Thread starter johnls7424
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I hope policies are put in place, which will not allow people to FOIA request video of private property.
The body cameras would have minimal difference from dash cams for traffic enforcement. (For cops that are cops for the right reasons.)
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The body cameras would have minimal difference from dash cams for traffic enforcement. (For cops that are cops for the right reasons.)
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From my stand point I have no problems with Body Cameras, Dash Cameras, or being filmed by the public. When you do your job and have nothing to hide the cameras do not matter. No as far as private property you are going to see people in compromised positions that should be kept private unless it has to do with a persons rights or committing a crime then and only then used for law and court viewing only and not released for public viewing.
rapidcharger
Member
I think it is a fantastic idea and long overdue.
It has also been proven to be highly effective In Dramatically reducing the number of complaints against officers in one of the cities it was trialed in.
There needs to be some consequences and enforcement for turning off cameras as footage can still go missing and its honor system.
The cops themselves will say a gun will save your but a camera will save your job. Apparently the benefits of a camera can go both ways.
Although many will say they do think twice about how they conduct themselves now.
As for the possibility of not getting off a ticket, something I've had happen a few times in recent years, I really wouldn't worry about it. On a couple of those, I was filming. One of the cops even asked WHY I was filming and he let me go anyway. And that was a generous one considering the allegations of going over 90 in a 60.
If it means then end of those courtesies, I'd be surprised but I'd also be okay with it. Because I'm always innocent anyway and the truth will set me free. Besides, they do usually write a ticket, only its a warning. So it's at their discretion and its not like they're going to get in trouble if the footage surfaces. At least I dont think it will. I've also seen footage from body cams where they let the driver go with warnings.
It has also been proven to be highly effective In Dramatically reducing the number of complaints against officers in one of the cities it was trialed in.
There needs to be some consequences and enforcement for turning off cameras as footage can still go missing and its honor system.
The cops themselves will say a gun will save your but a camera will save your job. Apparently the benefits of a camera can go both ways.
Although many will say they do think twice about how they conduct themselves now.
As for the possibility of not getting off a ticket, something I've had happen a few times in recent years, I really wouldn't worry about it. On a couple of those, I was filming. One of the cops even asked WHY I was filming and he let me go anyway. And that was a generous one considering the allegations of going over 90 in a 60.
If it means then end of those courtesies, I'd be surprised but I'd also be okay with it. Because I'm always innocent anyway and the truth will set me free. Besides, they do usually write a ticket, only its a warning. So it's at their discretion and its not like they're going to get in trouble if the footage surfaces. At least I dont think it will. I've also seen footage from body cams where they let the driver go with warnings.
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n1das
Member
I'm OK with it provided the public can legally wear them too.
Agreed.
I agree with above !
W8RMH
Feed Provider Since 2012
Most employers have had their employees on camera for over 20 years. Not on your body but they are filming you and your activities. Like #3 said do your job and you won't have anything to worry about.
The police body cams are more for the officer's protection anyway.
The police body cams are more for the officer's protection anyway.
We already are armed with camera phones!
However, there is no law that I'm aware of (unless for a specific instance, such as in a court proceeding) that bans the public from wearing body cams.
rapidcharger
Member
Body cams won't put an end to officer mistakes. Bad cops, good cops, it doesn't matter. If they are human cops, they are prone to making mistakes.
Cameras won't stop them from making bad mistakes but they aim to bring about accountability and thinking more carefully about your actions and they also are another set of eyes to help tell the story that may help bring about justice for the victim of police brutality but it also may help prove the cop wasn't guilty of any wrongdoing. The footage could also be used to improve training. Even if excessive use of force is used and no actions are brought against the officer(s), at least the victim may be cleared of their charges.
The big problem still lies with departments protecting their own when a mistake is made and not releasing footage. Or having footage go missing / get destroyed. Or having cameras turned off. We see this time and time again.
It will also not bring about justice in corrupt police departments like the Miami Beach police department, in corrupt cities with corrupt courts and corrupt police unions where all the video evidence in the world of an officer beating the day lights out of someone will not result in their termination.
Cameras will help but they won't solve the problem. That, I believe, will take some other steps.
This recent video demonstrates why I believe cameras alone will not solve the problems that exist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yluvnOjR60Y
Cameras won't stop them from making bad mistakes but they aim to bring about accountability and thinking more carefully about your actions and they also are another set of eyes to help tell the story that may help bring about justice for the victim of police brutality but it also may help prove the cop wasn't guilty of any wrongdoing. The footage could also be used to improve training. Even if excessive use of force is used and no actions are brought against the officer(s), at least the victim may be cleared of their charges.
The big problem still lies with departments protecting their own when a mistake is made and not releasing footage. Or having footage go missing / get destroyed. Or having cameras turned off. We see this time and time again.
It will also not bring about justice in corrupt police departments like the Miami Beach police department, in corrupt cities with corrupt courts and corrupt police unions where all the video evidence in the world of an officer beating the day lights out of someone will not result in their termination.
Cameras will help but they won't solve the problem. That, I believe, will take some other steps.
This recent video demonstrates why I believe cameras alone will not solve the problems that exist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yluvnOjR60Y
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