Police Body Cameras: Can't Police Do Their Job Anymore?

According to USAtoday, the city of Los Angeles had purchased 7,000 body cameras for police officers to wear. The cameras were purchased after the events that took place in the city of Ferguson, Missouri. Due to the actions to prevent more "police brutality," $1.5 million were donated and grants had been raised by the Police Commission for the cameras. Los Angeles' city council member Mitchell Englander wishes for LA to be the first city with every police officer to possess a body camera. Many advocates say that body cameras will deter criminal acts, as everything is recorded and there is no disputing what truly happened at the event. However, a single camera can cost from $100-$1000, causing a major cost to police departments and states. This appears to be a serious issue, at least in my eyes. Also, many pro-body camera individuals turn to the incident of when a police officer had to open fire upon a woman wielding a knife. His body camera gave him an edge in the case to see if the shooting was justified or not. Many cities also state that claims of force against police have declined since the use of body cameras has been implemented. Deputy Chief James Brook of Maryland had said that the public awareness was the biggest reason why. To be honest, I do not know how I feel about body cameras, as I feel that police should be able to do their jobs without any interference or worry of public perception and the cost is always a concern, but I also understand the usefulness of such devices. Only time will tell how such body cameras will affect police in the future.



Eye glass style of police camera.