Police Body Cameras: Article Analysis

In the article “New Study Casts Doubt on Effectiveness of Police Body Cameras. But Is That Fair?”, Nick Wing analyzes if cameras have an effect on police behavior. Wing focuses on a study in Washington D.C., that concludes body cameras do not have an effect on the police force or complaints made. Wing uses research to state that the issue surrounding body cameras revolves around if they are worth it or not. Wing’s article expresses the public’s confusion on whether to agree if body cameras do not affect police behavior, if they are worth it, or if they are helping better the police force altogether. Wing advocates body cameras are an asset to the decreasing police force and crude behavior and that the cameras will allow for a progressive method of surveillance.

In the discussions of police body cameras, one controversial issue has been their effectiveness. On the one hand, there are arguments that people will act better knowing that they are being recorded. On the other hand, ineffective policies contend that there will be no change. Others even maintain their ineffectiveness on controversial police shootings. My own view is that with strict policies and time, body cameras will be very effective.

Wing writes, “Smaller studies of police departments in California, Florida, and elsewhere have found body cameras to be correlated with a substantial reduction in the use of force incidents and civilian complaints”, proving my point that the cameras are effective.

Many argue that body cameras will ineffectively place officers accountable for their actions since, as Wing states, “people behave better if they know they’re being recorded.” From my experience, I have observed that eventually, no matter the circumstance, people will act like who they really are. With body cameras, officers may act a certain way while knowing that they are being recorded, but with time, body cameras will prove to be effective in revealing the true actions of the

officer.
Chief Peter Newsham of MPD Police states, “I am a little concerned that people might misconstrue the information and suggest that the body-worn cameras have no value.” Newsham reiterates my point that strict policies with wearing the cameras are needed in order to protect both the officer and the civilian. Wing goes on to say how, “body cameras have begun to play a greater role as more departments adopt the equipment, even though the successful prosecution of officers remains incredibly rare.” The fact that police departments are disregarding any such policies is disappointing. With policies that necessitate officers to wear their body cameras at all times, honesty will invoke a trusted system for civilians.
In order for body cameras to be effective, specific rules need to be created for officers wearing the cameras. With time the officers will resort to being themselves and not creating a persona, regardless of knowing that they are wearing the camera or not. Body cameras have the potential to be an effective method of justice.