“Officer body-worn cameras (BWCs) are relatively small devices that record interactions between community members (e.g., the public, suspects, and victims) and law enforcement officers. The video and audio recordings from BWCs can be used by law enforcement to demonstrate transparency to their communities; to document statements, observations, behaviors, and other evidence; and to deter unprofessional, illegal, and inappropriate behaviors by both law enforcement and the public” (Bureau of Justice Assistance, 2015).
Read the article Body Cameras Are Seen as Key to Police Reform. But Do They Increase Accountability? on the effectiveness of body worn cameras.
Formulate a 500-word written response to the following questions based on the material presented in the article and Chapter 13 in the textbook. Be sure to articulate your reasoning clearly in your response.
• What is your overall assessment of body-worn cameras?
• Do you believe they are an effective tool in identifying both officer and civilian conducts and behaviors?
• Do you believe a civilian should be legally charged if he/she files a complaint on a police officer that, based on the body-worn camera video, is clearly unfounded?
• Do you believe that the use of body-worn cameras and other technology will continue to decrease the amount of police misconduct? Why or why not?
