How does the majority feel about body cameras for police officers nationwide?

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 09:23:02 -0500

I know some areas in the U.S, police departments have already implemented this plan in their daily routines. I wonder if it will in fact improve relations between cops and the communities or will it fail. It's a great idea because the cameras serve for the cops safety and ours as well. There's just a certain way I feel about police policing their own. I feel in many cases that a police officer will back up a fellow police officer no matter what. Maybe a neutral party to monitor these devices? What are your thoughts on this new plan?

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-30290308

US attorney general calls for end to racial profiling - BBC News

The US attorney general announces plans to help end racial profiling by police after the killing of an unarmed black teenager by a white policeman.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 3:32 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 15:32:50 -0500

I am 100% in favor of it, I think it will give clarification to difficult to understand situations; provide legal protection to the Law Enforcement Officer when he reacted correctly and legal protection to the citizen when a Law Enforcement Officer did not act correctly to the situation. My city has purchased a body cam for every officer we have.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 3:39 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 15:39:54 -0500

In counties they have implemented it has startling results. People mind their Ps and Qs.....and wait for it,....there is less excessive use of force. So are you surprised. Kids always mind themselves when being watched. I think it's a good thing. It protects our officer that have to implement deadly force. In a riot situation, it may be quite different, you may not know where the fists are coming from. And guess what? Military members on the front line are probably next....what would you say to that? Yes or No?

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Dec 2 at 2014 3:55 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 15:55:32 -0500

I am completely for this! It takes the "he said/she said" out of the picture! It is easy to defer to the Officer that they are "right/telling the truth" based on an almost ingrained respect for LEO's but to be fair people abuse power. This is a perfect check and balance.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Dec 2 at 2014 4:08 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 16:08:45 -0500

I'm for it as long as it's not used for "gotcha" moments.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Dec 2 at 2014 5:24 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 17:24:45 -0500

All for it. A witness that can't lie, telling a story that can't change.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 6:19 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 18:19:43 -0500

100% all for it. It's all about accountability. There's good cops and there's bad cops and there's good citizens and there's bad citizens. This takes prejudices out of the equation. If the police officer is doing nothing wrong, then it just reinforces his report.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 6:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 18:22:36 -0500

With all the bad press that the boys in blue get, this needs to be done.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 6:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 18:28:30 -0500

I don't know why it's such a big deal. They've been using dash cams for years and it has helped people on both sides. I think that it would help to keep bad officers in check and good ones from being accused of wrong doing.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 6:46 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 18:46:43 -0500

I agree with MSG Wade Huffman, and then some. It may reign in rogue cops, and I hope it will eliminate the cries of "unarmed" and "innocent" if a person is being an ass, attacking a cop, grabbing at his gun, etc.

Overall, I think it's a win-win for the police and the public they are sworn to protect and defend. I don't see a down side.

Response by SPC David S. made Dec 2 at 2014 7:16 PM

SPC David S. — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 19:16:04 -0500

Its amazing that complaints have decreased where video recording is in place. Either cops are drastically changing there behavior or people elect not to file a complaint due to evidence. I'm betting its the people as they have no clue as to if the device is recording or not.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 2 at 2014 7:25 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 19:25:00 -0500

With how technology has been growing I'am surprised these were not given to all officer sooner. These are great to protect a police officer and the public. what is funny is i heard that there are people that think this is invasion of privacy. You really cant with with some people. I am willing to bet that if Officer Darren Wilson had been wearing this a lot of what is going on would not be happening. and im not saying he is innocent or guilty im just saying that had he been wearing a body camera. This whole thing could of been taken care of a lot quicker and more then likely with out alot of the violence.

Response by SGT(P) Gloria Francis made Dec 2 at 2014 7:25 PM

SGT(P) Gloria Francis — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 19:25:24 -0500

Dash cam have been in use for years. We're so consume with putting a band aid on symptoms instead of the focusing on root of the problem. I firmly believe that education & maybe a workload are the key to success of the unnecessary killings of many police officers.
Spend the money more on educating the police department & even the community because a camera only does what it has been doing for years...record the incident. It doesn't change the mindset of the individual. Research have shown this on many occasions. A recorded event can also be altered.
What we must realize is that not all police officers are bad & we have good & bad in all races.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 7:40 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 19:40:13 -0500

I don't see a lick of downside, except perhaps cost.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Dec 2 at 2014 8:04 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 20:04:32 -0500

Hope it works. I think the criminals should wear the cameras, after all they are the ones complaining about being oppressed by the police.

Response by CPL Rick Stasny made Dec 2 at 2014 8:38 PM

CPL Rick Stasny — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 20:38:15 -0500

I am all for their use. We have cameras in our facility, and just yesterday I had a confrontation with an irate inmate. The first thing that I did was to get him in front of one of the cameras in case things escalated. Luckily he chose to calm himself and follow my directions. You can't argue with an impartial witness, the footage speaks for itself.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Dec 2 at 2014 8:40 PM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 20:40:04 -0500

I don't think adding body cams to prevent racial profiling is cost effective. I have seen too many police officers abuse their positions, and we need to find better ways to prevent this. Equiping every police officer with a body camera is a lot of money that is probably going to come straight out of tax payers pockets. The few cases of suspected 'racial profiling' are not enough to justify the use of these cameras for that action alone. Would it be nice to have so we can restore faith and trust of police officers within our communities? Yes.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Dec 2 at 2014 9:02 PM

SSG Tim Everett — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 21:02:44 -0500

Should have been implemented years ago.

Response by SFC Peter Cyprian made Dec 2 at 2014 9:07 PM

SFC Peter Cyprian — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 21:07:55 -0500

All too often we see police charging people with a slew of crimes and then find out later that (thankfully for the charged person) that a video shows complete contradiction to the officer's report. The number of complaints drops dramatically when officers are body cam'd. Why is this? BECAUSE THEY BEHAVE THEMSELVES!!! If they know everything they say and do is being captured on video, they behave in a professional manner......gee, I thought they were supposed to be doing that in the first place! There I go "thinking" again!!

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Dec 2 at 2014 9:49 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 21:49:28 -0500

I think there are deeper issues at play than specific circumstances where Person X of a certain skin color kills Person Y of a different skin color. These issues, unfortunately, will not be solved using cameras. With camera footage, there will still be room for each side to argue its case -- specifically, cameras will not be able to account for everything that happened in that moment, so both sides will still be heated.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 10:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 22:11:31 -0500

I’m not anti-cop, but I am for strict oversight for all institutions of authority. I’m not for big brother looking over my shoulder, but while in uniform they’re no longer private citizens. I’ve read in some locations where these are used that public complaints about police have dropped dramatically. This could be due to cops now being on their best behavior, or citizens not filing false complaints due to video evidence to the contrary. Likely a combination of both. I can only see this as a good thing that protects both good cops and the public.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 10:32 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 22:32:49 -0500

It's mostly a protective measure for everyone involved. If everything is filmed, there is no hearsay. If both sides know it is documented objectively 100%, they are likely to behave better.

Response by SPC Daniel Edwards made Dec 2 at 2014 11:05 PM

SPC Daniel Edwards — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 23:05:34 -0500

Personally I am all for it. Screw it, I don't care if I'm recorded on the street. I might even try to make a face or something.

I foresee only two problems: constitutional rights and reliability. HEAR ME OUT ON THIS PLEASE. The Constitutional rights issue comes from it recording when it shouldn't have. Some people don't like to be recorded even if they are just walking by. All I'm saying is that we are probably going to hear some cry-babies because of them screaming invasion of privacy.

The other issue is that it is an electronic device, electronic devices have batteries, and batteries die. There needs to be a way to ensure that an officer will have it one but that it wont die when needed the most (it would suck monkey balls if the battery died right at a controversial moment).

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Dec 3 at 2014 12:11 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 00:11:48 -0500

Blue bloods recently had an episode on this. Commissioner Regan said its not the cameras but how they are used.

Response by PO2 Aubrey Mayberry made Dec 3 at 2014 9:57 AM

PO2 Aubrey Mayberry — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 09:57:22 -0500

Spend the money! Lord knows they will spend it no matter what. Might as well be on something useful. If I was a cop I would want the security of knowing it was there. No false claims of abuse. As a civilian I would feel better knowing that the officer is on film so no false claims could be laid against me. Film keeps everything honest

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 10:01 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 10:01:30 -0500

There was trepidation when cameras (dashcams) were installed in police vehicles - today no one seems bothered by them. In many european countries there are many people who install dash cams for their own protection against scammers - and I see that happening more and more here in the states. While we cannot always be on our best behavior - when the camera shows you to be an a$$hole, well, you're an a$$hole plain and simple.

Having spoken to many cops in my lifetime - my grandfather and father were officers - having that disinterested party (the camera) has put a lot of bad cops behind bars where they belong AND stopped a lot of he said/he said officer brutality claims before they got started.

Response by SSG John Erny made Dec 3 at 2014 10:19 AM

SSG John Erny — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 10:19:32 -0500

Video keeps people thinking about what they are doing, both good and bad.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Dec 3 at 2014 10:22 AM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 10:22:59 -0500

Perfect example of it working to stop a good officer from being framed:

http://www.kob.com/article/stories/s3592956.shtml#.VH8otsnSqAI

And supporting evidence against a bad cop:

http://www.dailydot.com/politics/dashcam-video-shows-sean-groubert-shoot-unarmed-citizen/

This is why I think the lapel cams should be mandatory. Make it so the police cannot turn the camera on or off and it runs for the duration of the shift. If the camera is removed (prior to an encounter or something similar) and an issue is brought forth the officer should be presumed to be at fault. If it is removed during a scuffle or something similar there should be enough evidence prior on the camera to tell what is going on.

I wonder if it would be possible to use the WiFi spots or possible cell coverage (if this is becoming a federal mandate as is) to keep the data flowing constantly and allow these videos to be available even if the camera is destroyed.

Lapel cam captures woman trying to frame APD officer for sexually assaulting her

Arrested for drunk driving, an Albuquerque woman tried to flip the script on an Albuquerque Police officer, accusing him of sexual assault. Cops say 23-year-old Deanna Griego padded her bra with something extra as she was placed under arrest for DWI earlier this month.

Response by SFC Melker Johansson made Dec 3 at 2014 10:36 AM

SFC Melker Johansson — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 10:36:29 -0500

I think it is a good idea just as having dash cams. For the protection of everyone involved.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 11:55 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 11:55:37 -0500

My home city just did a board and let a few of the public sit in on it regarding this. I think its a good idea and it will tell the story how it is no matter what ethnicity you are.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 12:37 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 12:37:02 -0500

I feel like this would be a great step. It would make it easy to ID cops who are abusing their power, but it would also make instances like Officer Wilson shooting Michael Brown much more black-and-white, rather than depending on unreliable witnesses.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 1:11 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 13:11:44 -0500

Jon,
I really hate to say this, but where does it end!! First there were cameras on cruisers for traffic stops, officers wearing body mics to record conversations with perps and now body cameras! I remember when being a police officer was a great job. Police officers are trained to protect their communities and their cities, now it seems like they have to protect themselves against thugs and criminals, civily. I'm not a political person, but when it comes to this topic I feel a responsibility to speak out. I have been a cop for 16 years in the military, I have also graduated from a county Sheriff Department academy. I understand both sides when it comes to controversy because of my training and education, but 99% of the population do not understand because they have no idea of the things we are taught or how we are trained. Police Officers are chosen to be cops for a reason! They have passed extensive backgrounds, polygraphs and psychological evaluations to make the cut! Are there bad cops? Yes, you will always have that one or two that are not on the up and up per say! You have this same problem in any organization though. Not every Airman, Marine, Seaman or Soldier are on the up and up for that matter. If they were, we wouldn't need Briggs. Wearing of body cameras should be optional if anything! Bottom line is, back your Police Officers!

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Dec 3 at 2014 1:28 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 13:28:49 -0500

I don't see a downside to it. I have had numerous situations over the years where I wish my Military Police men and women, as well as my para-military security police officers had been outfitted with body-cams.

I have been known to have my folks carry micro-cassette recorders, which have come in handy, on numerous occasions, to get to the truth about an incident (he said/she said).

Response by Sgt Erle Mutz made Dec 3 at 2014 2:28 PM

Sgt Erle Mutz — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 14:28:43 -0500

There just isn't enough "Regans" to go around - TOO BAD!!

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Dec 3 at 2014 3:50 PM

SPC Christopher Smith — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 15:50:05 -0500

If we can go into combat with GoPros on for trainings and accountability purposes, LEO's should go and be fully accounted for in their actions. They serve the people just as we do, they should not seek special treatment from the law when they abuse their status. To the LEO's in the group who I am sure are going to say all cops are not bad, that is great, show the good things you do on camera so others are able to learn from the experience. The bad cops should not be left unaccounted for any longer.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 7:01 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 19:01:56 -0500

I'm all for it, but it doesn't replace the need for citizens to record police interactions from their side either (so long as it's legal in accordance with local laws). Call me paranoid, but I worry that video recorded by police via their body cameras could "accidentally" be misplaced/corrupted/deleted/what-have-you if said video happened to be evidence of police misconduct.

Regardless, putting body cameras on police is a good step in the right direction IMO.

Response by CPO Jason Meier made Dec 3 at 2014 7:46 PM

CPO Jason Meier — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 19:46:04 -0500

I am all for it. Since the implementation of the body cams they have stopped a slew of false claims that were submitted. It will stop or at least identify those trying to claim racial or religious discrimination and/or abuse.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Dec 3 at 2014 9:09 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 21:09:56 -0500

I think it will still cause some issues as it still won't give you an idea of depth perception or distance. It will miss all of the other environmental factors that the police must use to make the instant decisions. Did dashboard cameras improve relations between the general public and the police?

**Edited**

The issue is we expect the police to respond to every situation they encounter perfectly, every single time and even if one person disagrees, then it is still not good enough.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Dec 4 at 2014 8:01 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 08:01:26 -0500

More data in an incident can't hurt.

Response by LTC Scott O'Neil made Dec 4 at 2014 9:27 AM

LTC Scott O'Neil — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 09:27:56 -0500

This is just one step that should be imposed, more cameras in police cars on weapons and when in conflict drones to cover the operation.......

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2014 5:55 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 05:55:42 -0500

During my brief time as a law enforcement officer I welcomed it. It did keep officers in check. There has to be a check and balances put in place. I never had an issue with wearing a mic while I was on duty. It would really impact a department. I have been called into question a couple of time only to be exonerated by the camera and audio from my cars camera. Got to keep the honest honest.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2014 10:11 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 10:11:36 -0500

I'm in favor, but I don' think it will fix anything. I do hope they include sound, so the jury can see the idiot arguing with the police on why he should be allowed to sell cigarettes, or walk down the middle of the street, or whatever their excuse is for resisting arrest.

There's an old saying, "You can't fix stupid." Once the police officer says, "You are under arrest", you ARE ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY going for a ride somewhere that you didn't want to go. There are plenty of people who need to internalize that FACT. Now if ANYONE is so stupid that they are willing to risk their own life to fight against something that is ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY going to happen, I don't see that as the police's fault. You get to decide how much you want to hurt before the inevitable happens.YOU make the choice on whether that will be a ride in a police car or in a hearse.

Response by SPC Chelsea Fernandez made Dec 8 at 2014 1:36 PM

SPC Chelsea Fernandez — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 13:36:02 -0500

There still going to be some that try and beat the system.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2014 1:37 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 13:37:35 -0500

Didn't work in NYC.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 9:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 21:58:04 -0400

I think it will hope the Police Officer more accountable in their version of what happens in an incident. There have been too many times covering for each other and wording the way things happen to make the officer look justified.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Apr 21 at 2015 10:47 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 10:47:45 -0400

Love the idea.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 2:00 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 14:00:35 -0400

All for it, as long as we are equal. Let's get criminals to wear em too. That'll even it out.

Response by SGT John W Lugo made Apr 21 at 2015 2:43 PM

SGT John W Lugo — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 14:43:23 -0400

With all the current events taking place this no longer a brainer, They need to fund this mission for all in Uniform and wouldn't hurt for Military Police to also have them during incidents that involve Terrorist attacks at post gates. Most recent Police incident happen in Baltimore 1 week ago.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Apr 21 at 2015 3:11 PM

SGT John Wesley — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 15:11:03 -0400

I hope it removes the doubt that Americans feel about what's happened recently. I know that they are but a mere handful but if this allays their doubts and helps the police depts. I'm all for it!

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Apr 21 at 2015 3:24 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 15:24:25 -0400

It keeps everyone honest. In places where it's been implimented, it's being reported to have reduced incidents of force AND officers noted that they had less confrontations with "problem children." It's amazing how people start to behave when they know they're being recorded.

Obviously, it won't fix everything and I'm sure we'll have plenty of "camera was broken/video stolen by bunny saboteurs" incidents, but it'll help.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 1:56 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 13:56:23 -0400

You have cellphone cameras that have shown everything and the cops still get off with punishment. The only thing those body cameras are going to do is NOTHING. it's wasted money.

Response by CPT Arch Nissel made Apr 22 at 2015 4:30 PM

CPT Arch Nissel — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 16:30:18 -0400

It will help the honest cops and piss off the defense lawyers and provide truth in after action reports.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Apr 23 at 2015 11:07 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 11:07:04 -0400

I support it. It would offer a first person view of everything going on. As long as the videos aren't edited by corruption we should be good.

Response by SSgt Tim Ricci made May 6 at 2015 12:06 PM

SSgt Tim Ricci — Wed, 06 May 2015 12:06:19 -0400

I agree that the cameras are needed, but not nationwide. Podunk small town America IMO does not have the problems that Urban ares have, plus I am sure the budget for Small town America Law Enforcement agencies could not afford it. I am all for it in in High Crime areas!

Response by SPC Jeffrey Bly made May 6 at 2015 12:16 PM

SPC Jeffrey Bly — Wed, 06 May 2015 12:16:46 -0400

These should be mandatory to help assist in accountability.

Response by PO3 John Harris made May 7 at 2015 7:13 AM

PO3 John Harris — Thu, 07 May 2015 07:13:47 -0400

I think police should have body cameras because 3rd party recording can be screwed with and police need to be able to show thier side and counter any 3rd party recording