Leadership in Law Enforcement
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Prepare an argument in favor or against police officers wearing body cameras. Explain why you believe these cameras are effective or ineffective. Your argument should address the following four points: (1) privacy issues for police, third parties, and suspects; (2) use of force issues; (3) budgetary concerns; and (4) legislative action. As support for your argument, cite specific examples and reference the scholarly articles (Bud and Sandhu) listed in your assigned readings. The following articles may also prove helpful:
http://www.policechiefmagazine.org/technology-in-policing-the-case-for-body-worn-cameras-and-digital-evidence/
http://www.policechiefmagazine.org/body-worn-cameras-using-the-wealth-of-data-effectively/
Please also use Box 15.1: Actions in Wake of Police-Community in your textbook. As part of your argument include a discussion of whether you believe state legislators should pass laws requiring the use of body cameras or allow (or prohibit) bystanders videotaping police actions. Box 15.1 gives you an overview of what legislators have done in some states thus far. Note that your argument can be some combination in favor of or against the use of body cameras.
Sample Solution
In favor of police officers wearing body cameras, I believe that these cameras are an effective tool in law enforcement. Evidence from scholarly studies, such as those conducted by Bud and Sandhu, clearly indicate that the use of body cameras reduces the potential for issues related to both privacy and use of force. In fact, Bud and Sandhu’s survey found a decrease in complaints against officers when they were required to wear body cameras (Bud & Sandhu). Research also shows that citizen’s perceptions of police improved when they knew they were being monitored (http://www.policechiefmagazine.org/technology-in-policing-the-case-for-body-worn-cameras-and-digital -evidence/). This could help reduce tension between police departments and their communities because it builds trust which is essential for good communication and collaboration during investigations (Box 15.1: Actions in Wake of Police Community).
Additionally, despite budgetary concerns about equipping every officer with a camera, there are cost savings associated with the increased efficiency and accuracy provided by body camera footage (http://www.policechiefmagazine.org/body -worn -camera s -using -thewealthofdataeffectively/). The footage can be used to form strong evidentiary packages for criminal proceedings which can save valuable time for prosecutors who otherwise would be tasked with constructing a case from limited information . From this perspective , it is much more cost effective to equip each officer with a camera rather than hire additional staff or purchase other technologies . Furthermore , legislative action has been taken across multiple states , including Colorado , Arizona , Washington D .C., Texas , California , Florida etc . regulating the use of video evidence obtained via body mounted devices worn by police personnel (Bud & Sandhu) These laws ensure transparency while clarifying what type of recordings should be retained ensuring compliance with state regulations on data retention policies .
Overall, Body Cameras have proven to be beneficial not only in terms reducing issues related to privacy violations but also improving public perception towards law enforcement agencies while saving money through efficient organization processes using video evidence.