The Virginian-Pilot
©
CHESAPEAKE
The city’s police department is looking into putting “wearable video’’ cameras on its officers.
The cameras would be expected to capture video from the officer’s perspective. The city gives several reasons for the cameras, including to capture evidence for trial and to protect the department and its officers from frivolous lawsuits.
The cameras, according to the city, could reduce confrontations because citizens tend to be less aggressive when they realize they are being videotaped. In court, the cameras would be expected to increase the likelihood of successful prosecution. They also could enhance officer safety, performance and professionalism.
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CPD Cameras
I think this is a great idea. It would have saved Ryan Frederick the time he has spent in jail. The CPD really needs some good PR after this case and the fact that they see they have done nothing wrong and are not willing to change the way they "enter" a home or issue a warrant is more disturbing. I usually take the sides of law enforcement but when I first read this story, something didn't seem right. So a camera would have confirmed their version one way or the other. I am still distrubed by the fact that they patched a bullet hole in a room, I just have never seen any PD redecorate nor repair any damage they have done in an investigation. This is sad for all involved.
cameras
they better have sensitive microphones, otherwise we might not hear them barely whisper "police" before ramming a hole in the door and sticking their arm in.
Really
Now we can actually see CPD telling "informants" to break into houses.
Police Cameras
Please read this post. I think cameras are a great idea, however there is a downside. Cops are shot, assaulted and killed because they are able to prosecute criminals for what they see, find or put together during an investigation. Once criminals know officers have video on their person, they will stop running and start shooting so they can pull that video off the officer. Making it wireless is useless because the average "Joe" won't know it's wireless. We, as a society, have to weigh the consequences this will result in against sensationalism. BTW, a bad apple is a bad apple and video does help root them out. I am biased as I know cops and feel that the bad out weighs the positive.
I See This
I see this as a response to all of the negative views of CPD and nothing more. I do feel it would do some good if it were on at all times, and accounted for as such. Perhaps it would keep the bullies in line, and, tell the real truth if they fail. If it can't be accounted for to be on at all times as such, then, it is nothing more than just a response back to the negativity and righteousness of the PD.
Not Thinking This Will Happen
I cannot really see this ever happening. Maybe for patrol officers. But after what happended in the Frederick case. No Way! There never would have been a trial. Ryan would be a free man. But the real truth is it would really change law enforcement if every officer also knew their every move was on camera. So just wait and see this will never happen.
Let's do it
Now the judge can see for himself the actual reactions, tone, and expressions the accused gives...not just have the officer read his account. This will hopefully, keep our fine officers from getting punished for doing their job, just because some knucklehead threatened an officer and the officer responded and somebody didn't like it. If a little bitty camera is what it takes to untie an officer's hands and help him actually do his job, then let them. Make if voluntary even...for those in the high-profile areas.
libbysay, I don't know Don except through his postings
and I can tell you, and he will agree, that we agree on nothing regarding politics and economics. There are more than enough "spirited" postings to attest to that.
But we do agree on the travesty of the Ryan Frederick case.
Don's efforts to follow and report on this case are nothing more than admirable. He took time from his business, at cost to him, to attend not only days of the trial, but the grand jury proceedings leading up to the trial.
There are serious implications in this case regarding freedom from unjust and overreaching police procedures, and if citizens like him do not question this in the light of day, in public, and with vigor, then this case will undoubtedly repeat itself again.
I noticed in NYC and Vegas
I noticed in NYC and Vegas all the Taxis seemed to have digital camera units that were taking images. The cab driver said it took and image every so many seconds. It looked like it stored it elsewhere. Neat idea, I thought. Kind of like "taxi cab confessions," only a slideshow.
Wearable cameras could be TINY, nothing compared to a Motorola walkie or a gat.
Granted if the citizen has a camera, they are normally instructed to turn it off.
How about stream it all live? Wouldn't that be amazing? $1 a minute to watch domestics. $10/min if guns are drawn. Budget shortcomings would be solved in no time.
Technology is great
Great idea. Cameras are now so small and light that it will not weigh the officer down. They can probably be configured to transmit the video back to the patrol car wirelessly, making the system even lighter, and making it more secure (can't steal the camera from a downed officer). Infrared is also possible for nighttime use.
I'm surprised someone hasn't mentioned cost already. Any cost would be far less than defending a frivolous lawsuit.