Should Police Officers Wear Body Cameras

We live in an age where technology is free and cameras are everywhere. People carry a smartphone with the ability to record events as they happen, and the footage appears often on the news and in the internet. In the field of law enforcement, a debate is forming if police officers should wear body worn cameras so they can record incidents in real time.There are Many departments in the United States have already adopted body cameras as standard equipment. In California, a police department has been using body cameras and recording what happens between officers. The force used by officers has declined 60% during the past year. The cameras were introduced and citizen complaints against officers dropped by 88%.

Body camera should be used by all

If and when body camera are used it creates lots of problems.Technological issues related to the cameras may prevent proper functioning at times.This would result in missing important witness statements or crucial behavior by officers or citizens. Witnesses won't come forward thinking that they are going to die if they testify against someone. However police use a subpoena to force the witness to testify with protection. As a result, they would have to relocate knowing some gangbanger is coming to kill you, they would have to get new identities, move and find a new job, school even though they would be provided with basic living expenses and medical care are to the witnesses. They also could get employment assistance and job training, with 24 hours

Some policies include restrictions on recording in circumstances. It is valuable for police to have recordings of witness and victim statements, but recording also might make people reluctant to talk, to come forward. Some policies restrict recording of First Amendment activity. It could unnecessarily expose potential crime victims, survivers of sexuall assult, demostic violence and, those who have alcohol and drug addiction. It can ruin someone’s life. It can ruin someone's life because you would be exposed, everyone knowing about your drug or alcohol addictions.

The cost of the cameras would it cost almost $800 to $1,200 each, depending on what model the department buys, they also have to pay an additional cost for video storage every year. the costs involving in maintaining a body camera system are not insignificant. Body camera costs a lot of money even though it would have been helpful, but it’s way too much money. Instead they can use the money for other things like bulletproof vests and other