Body Cameras to Monitor Police Conduct
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Too many incidents occuring between police officers and civilians which involve controversial use of force by officers, brutality and unjustified shootings have caused a state of distrust and enmity between both sides. In order to deal with this situation, several police departments have begun using technological “re-enforcement”, namely ways of monitoring police conduct both for deterrence and as evidence should such incidents happen.
The latest to decide on a more technological police force is the city of Dallas, TX., whose council unanimously approved a $3.7 million purchase of 1000 body cameras over the next five years. This decision came less than a year after several violent incidents involving officers took place in the United States, making the decision to use technological gadgets go from an upgrade to a necessity.
The first cameras to arrive will go to patrol officers, most likely on volunteer basis. Then more cameras will be deployed to the use of officers who work in the field.
The Dallas Police said that they hope 1000 cameras will allow one to be at every incident, but even so it still isn’t enough, as the department has 3,500 officers.
Nonetheless, even only a thousand will be of use. “The vast majority of cops are doing a great job, and body cameras will demonstrate that,” said council member Philip Kingston. “And on the off chance there is a bad interaction, and we need the evidence, we’ll have it.”
