There has been lot of discussion coming out of Ferguson, MO, about forcing all police officers to wear body cameras. These are small cameras the size of a stubby cigar that would be worn on the officer and effectively see what they are seeing during a stop or engagement.
There is a petition to create the Michael Brown Law, which would require all state, county and local police to wear these cameras on their person. The online petition says:
Create a bill, sign into law, and set aside funds to require all state,county, and local police, to wear a camera.The law shall be made in an effort to not only detour police misconduct(i.e. brutality, profiling, abuse of power), but to ensure that all police are following procedure, and to remove all question, from normally questionable police encounters. As well, as help to hold all parties within a police investigation, accountable for their actions.
With the rash of police brutality cases and killings surrounding the black community, obviously UI believes this would be a tremendous thing for the community.
There is no reason law abiding police officers shouldn’t want this as well, as the video evidence will collaborate their stories and prove without a shadow of a doubt they are operating within the rights of their job.
In fact, the city of Rialto, California has been part of a test program to study the use and effectiveness of using body cameras. Their findings will not only startle the community, but excite it as well.
After cameras were introduced in February 2012, public complaints against officers plunged 88% compared with the previous 12 months. Officers’ use of force fell by 60%.
“When you know you’re being watched you behave a little better. That’s just human nature,” said Farrar. “As an officer you act a bit more professional, follow the rules a bit better.”
WE believe the quote above says it all. When our officers know they are being watched, they will behave better.
End of story, let’s make this mandatory!
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