Police in many areas of the country must now wear body camera’s in light of police brutality claims. While this may seem invasive to some people, the footage will be proof to many cases. Soon, all police officers will have to wear one and knowing what the pros and cons of these will ease many people’s minds.
Officers have to wear these cameras for the duration of their shift and the batters can last about 13 hours. “The devices are capable of recording high quality video, even in situations where light is compromised such as in dark, interior spaces or at night” (Police Body). A long while to look through the footage, but knowing the right time it took place and where the incident happened, the right person will know where to look.
In Rialto, California, police officers have been wearing body cameras for years now and have found out that “the use of force by police officers reportedly declined by 60% and complaints from 
citizens against law enforcement officers decreased by 88%” (Police Body). It reduces complaints, therefore saving everyone’s time and putting their effort and time into other things like actual crime.
Findings on these cameras are as follows: “Officers who did not wear body cameras conducted more “stop and frisks” and made more arrests than officers who wore [them]; Officers wearing cameras were 25.2% more likely to perceive the devices as being helpful during their interactions with the public” (Kelsh). So, while there is backlash, the cameras still more good than harm.
A pro of these is that they can speed up court proceedings by providing proof of the situation and can reduce expenses. Plus, having the right amount of evidence can result in correct/truthful cases out there – leading to the right person in jail. However, a con of these camera’s is that it “may prevent people from coming forward as credible witnesses to help assist with investigation” because of retaliation or fear or the public (Police Body). A valid reason because many cases need help from witnesses to asses the case properly.
Technical issues, like dead battery while on duty or an obstructed lens are cons that can be prevented but may happen at a crucial moment. Another con is the equipment for the cameras because they are expensive. Ranging from $1000 or more. For example, “to equip the Bakersfield Police Department, a force of 200 officers, would cost an estimated $440,000 in the first year, and $240,000 in subsequent years” (Should police).
To conclude, there are many pros and cons of police body camera’s now being implemented on more stations throughout the years. It will be a more common object on them in later years as well as the crack down on crime continues. With speed on court sessions increasing, thorough investigations, and a decrease of complaints to the police department, it seems that they will continue to use them. However, without the right amount of money and software, it will go downhill.
Kelsh, Chaz. “Do Body Cameras Change How Police Interact with the Public?” Journalist’s Resource, 27 July 2016, journalistsresource.org/studies/government/criminal-justice/body-cameras-police-interact-with-public.
“Police Body Cameras: Pros and Cons for Officers and Citizens.” Private Investigator and Investigation Resources, Private Investigator and Investigation Resources, 23 May 2018, www.einvestigator.com/police-body-cameras-the-pros-and-cons-for-law-enforcement-and-citizens/.
“Police Body Cameras: Top 3 Pros and Cons.” ProConorg Headlines, 28 May 2018, www.procon.org/headline.php?headlineID=005399.
