Body cameras for police seems to be the latest in a series of attempts to ensure that they act in the best interest of all citizens (themselves included) in any situation. However, the vast majority seem to disagree with this initiative because the evidence displayed may not be in keeping with the stories we hear or read.
Let’s face it, CCTV cameras cannot cover every square foot of ground. This means a lack of footage can easily facilitate the constant “he say, she say” stories that arise which depict civilians as pure victims and the police as culpable. Body cameras will assist greatly with changing the biased image citizens have of the police as being corrupt abusers of authority. Such devices will show the reality of being a lawman, facing constant threats when on duty.
The bigger advantage is that these devices will give citizens the confidence to interact comfortably with and put their trust in the police service once again.
Susan Farrow,
via e-mail