Why Do We Need Police Body Cameras?

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Police officers enforce laws, protect communities, and protect citizen rights. Police hold people accountable, in the same way, the police need to be held accountable. One way officers can be held responsible for their actions is through police body cameras. Body cameras encourage better public behavior and softer enforcement of the country's laws. This essay will focus on the safety they bring, the accountability provided, and how police body cameras are an important tool. Not only do body cameras protect citizens, police body cams bring safety to the police officers wearing them. To begin with “Police in some communities are viewed with distrust, often relating to use-of-force allegations and questions about encounters between police and …show more content…

Furthermore “Police body cameras provide visual and audio evidence that can independently verify events. In Texas, a police officer was fired, charged with murder, and sentenced to a 10,000 fine and 15 years in prison after body-worn footage” (“Police Body Cameras” 3). Yes, body cameras protect the officers, but these cameras can also protect citizens from possible power abusers. The public isn’t the only thing corrupt. There has been unfortunate corruption within the law enforcement as well. Body cameras can give proof of violence, demolish false accusations, and hold back most officers from going too far. Although some people can react negatively to being filmed causing extreme outbursts, the importance of the safety it brings and the evidence brought with it can put those people in their place. Body cameras are an essential tool for the safety of the officers and the citizens they serve. Police body cameras can hold police officers accountable for their actions. First of all “In Baltimore, Maryland, an officer was convicted of fabricating evidence and misconduct in office after being caught by body-worn cameras planting fake drug evidence” (“Police Body Cameras” …show more content…

Police body cameras can aid mankind in being liable for their actions before others. They also give the public and officers motivation to do so. Continuing “In San Diego, California, the use of body cameras provided the necessary evidence to exonerate police officers falsely accused of misconduct.” (“Police Body Cameras” 3). Body cameras hold citizens, who accuse officers of false misconduct, accountable as well. Police have power and mankind as a whole doesn’t like someone over them. This gives motivation to do anything to get that person or people out of their position of authority. With that in mind, these cameras give evidence and hold many back from the lies they intend to use against law enforcement. Yes, this camera footage could get leaked and expose the victims. However, videos can get deleted and the overall benefits prevent misconduct and unnecessary violence, which affects the public, not just one person. Body cams hold officers and the public responsible for their words and actions. Police body cameras not only keep people safe and accountable, they are also an important

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