In recent media, there have been a lot of public protests against the cases of unarmed civilians dying in the hands of the police. In light of these incidents, a recent debate has broken out on the subject of whether police officers should be required to wear body cameras. A body camera is a small camera, usually worn on the officer’s uniform someplace on their torso. They also have a small microphone to capture sound and an internal data storage to save the footage for a later review.

With the exposure of police wearing body cameras, it will increase the safety of the public and that of the police officer as well. In Rialto, California, a study showed a 50% reduction in forceful incidents by police officers when a body camera is present. It is also proven that people behave differently when cameras are present, which will increase the awareness of actions and verbal commands for both the officer and the victim.

Body cameras also improve accountability with police officers. In Phoenix, Ariz., a report showed a 53.1% decrease of misconduct allegations against police officers when body cameras were present while the officer was on duty. With this improved accountability, many of these cases in the media would be solved due to the video and audio evidence.

When police agree to start wearing these cameras, strong support from the community happens. A survey in London showed that 87% of people agreed that when police are wearing these cameras, they feel “reassured that they will do the right thing.” This will improve the relationship law enforcement has within their community and improve uneasy circumstances as well.
With the installment of body cameras on law enforcement officers, it will ensure that our city can be a safe environment for everyone and improve the lives and the safety of all civilians, including those of the law.