Body cameras elevate the behavior on both sides of the camera. If people know they are being rerecorded, they behave more appropriately and less aggressively, thus keeping the police safe. In addition, the cameras improve the professionalism of the police because they know that everything they say and do will be documented.
Body camera footage should be made available to the public upon request - doing so allows police departments to demonstrate transparency and openness in their interactions with community members. This apparent transparency does affect public perception and confidence in the police.
People who attended the same event hadwildly different memories of what happened. Body cameras record events andconversations exactly as what they are, providing law enforcement officials andthe public with an unbiased record. Video has increased the number of pre-trialguilty pleas and enhances their ability to obtain convictions.
Allegations of police misconduct are always a serious problem, especially when they are misinterpreted or fabricated by community members. A study by the UNLV Center for Crime and Justice Policy found that wearing body cameras can reduce misconduct complaints by as much as 30 percent.
Real-life examples are the most effective training material for those working in high-stress, high-stakes, high-responsibility jobs. Body cameras often include video and audio, making them a valuable addition to police training programs.
With these ultra-rugged devices designed for life in the field, officers can effortlessly upload video footage and attach it to case files. They'll spend less time typing and fiddling with paperwork and more time serving their communities.