Body Worn Cameras Advantages

With the many controversial police shooting cases that have been in the news lately, there has emerged a demand for justice in the United States. Many Americans are asking for increased usage of body-worn cameras by police. Implementation of these devices can have numerous benefits. Some of these benefits include less complaints from citizens, safer interactions between police and citizens, and video evidence that can be utilized in investigations. Moreover, body-worn cameras can potentially be used as a training tool for police in hopes of improving police response to dangerous situations. Overall, body-worn cameras will allow for police officers to protect and serve citizens more efficiently and safely. Evidently, police officers equipped with body-worn cameras are far less likely to receive complaints and lawsuits from citizens. …show more content…
In reference to the Rialto Police Department mention earlier, out of 0.7 complaints from citizens for every 1000 interactions, decreased to 0.07 for every 1000 interaction (Barak and Sutherland). Denise O’Donnell of the United States Bureau of Justice Assistance stated that these devices are useful in officer and citizen interactions. (Office of Public Affairs). A report by the U.S. Department of Justice and Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) pointed out that police executives found that body-worn cameras enriched relationships between police and citizens (Community Oriented Policing Services). It should also be noted that citizens found body-worn cameras to be comforting when interacting with police. Transparency between police and citizens is essential and could allow for investigation of a case without bias from one particular party. At this point it should be obvious that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that body-worn cameras can possibly keep countless officers safe from dangerous