Body Cameras: Changing Communities for Eternity
An unarmed black man is killed in Ferguson, a town in the St.Louis metro area by a cop, with no evidence about what happened a community is left with nothing but questions. (And With So Many Questions) Without knowing what happened the community forms it’s own beliefs then, riots the streets, robbing stores and annihilating everything in their paths. A city once filled with serenity is now a war zone that requires riot shields and tanks for survival. Little did they know at the time one small thing could have prevented this entire conflict. Had the officer been equipped with a body camera both the police and citizens would have had an accurate view of the events that preceded. Had this happened …show more content…
In Ferguson, Missouri when a cop shot an unarmed Michael Brown, chaos ensued, businesses were torched, stores were looted, a once peaceful town was ablaze, and the lone reason the mayhem halted was because the National Guard took action. Consequently, the demolition of Ferguson, could have been effectively avoided considering body cameras can paint a credible, objective image of how an event truly takes place. Had body cameras been used the public could have seen precisely what transpired, causing them to alter their viewpoint on the situation into a view that would have been far less violent. (And With So Many Questions) Additionally, body cameras are capable of compiling evidence that can convict people at an accelerated rate that is more precise than ever before.(Mims) Numerous officers have stated that in cases such as DUI’s, body cameras provide evidence that makes it far more routine for officers to convict the alleged drunk drivers. (Scalise 4) For instance, body cameras can help take those off the street who are a menace to society. Many officers have been falsely incriminated of murder in the past, affecting them both psychologically and emotionally. (Wilson) However, this can be avoided considering body cameras provide …show more content…
For example, in order for body cameras to be passed for a community, both states and federal governments must pass the idea. This results in a process that is quite tedious, and takes substantial time to be passed. (Scalise 8) Patience is the only way to keep this issue from frustrating those pushing for body cameras. Additionally, many officers are concerned that they may face consequences due to minuscule things they do wrong on each day to day shift. (White) Officers believe that their bosses might punish them for these miniature little offenses. In reality, however while body cameras may make citizens act more lawful, agencies are not going to look back at the tapes in order to punish officers for petty offenses. In spite of these concerns, training courses are available to agencies attempting to equip their officers with body cameras. These agencies are very beneficial in ensuring that officers handle body cameras the appropriate way. (Scalise 43) The training can help guide officers through any roadblocks they may face while on a shift. Overall while some dilemmas do exist with body cameras, most are insignificant and can be fixed by basic precautions like officer
An unarmed black man is killed in Ferguson, a town in the St.Louis metro area by a cop, with no evidence about what happened a community is left with nothing but questions. (And With So Many Questions) Without knowing what happened the community forms it’s own beliefs then, riots the streets, robbing stores and annihilating everything in their paths. A city once filled with serenity is now a war zone that requires riot shields and tanks for survival. Little did they know at the time one small thing could have prevented this entire conflict. Had the officer been equipped with a body camera both the police and citizens would have had an accurate view of the events that preceded. Had this happened …show more content…
In Ferguson, Missouri when a cop shot an unarmed Michael Brown, chaos ensued, businesses were torched, stores were looted, a once peaceful town was ablaze, and the lone reason the mayhem halted was because the National Guard took action. Consequently, the demolition of Ferguson, could have been effectively avoided considering body cameras can paint a credible, objective image of how an event truly takes place. Had body cameras been used the public could have seen precisely what transpired, causing them to alter their viewpoint on the situation into a view that would have been far less violent. (And With So Many Questions) Additionally, body cameras are capable of compiling evidence that can convict people at an accelerated rate that is more precise than ever before.(Mims) Numerous officers have stated that in cases such as DUI’s, body cameras provide evidence that makes it far more routine for officers to convict the alleged drunk drivers. (Scalise 4) For instance, body cameras can help take those off the street who are a menace to society. Many officers have been falsely incriminated of murder in the past, affecting them both psychologically and emotionally. (Wilson) However, this can be avoided considering body cameras provide …show more content…
For example, in order for body cameras to be passed for a community, both states and federal governments must pass the idea. This results in a process that is quite tedious, and takes substantial time to be passed. (Scalise 8) Patience is the only way to keep this issue from frustrating those pushing for body cameras. Additionally, many officers are concerned that they may face consequences due to minuscule things they do wrong on each day to day shift. (White) Officers believe that their bosses might punish them for these miniature little offenses. In reality, however while body cameras may make citizens act more lawful, agencies are not going to look back at the tapes in order to punish officers for petty offenses. In spite of these concerns, training courses are available to agencies attempting to equip their officers with body cameras. These agencies are very beneficial in ensuring that officers handle body cameras the appropriate way. (Scalise 43) The training can help guide officers through any roadblocks they may face while on a shift. Overall while some dilemmas do exist with body cameras, most are insignificant and can be fixed by basic precautions like officer