Police officers across the United States are beginning to experiment with wearing video cameras alongside their badges and guns to provide an objective perspective of encounters between citizens and officers. Although few cities have systematically studied the effects of such cameras, emerging evidence from Rialto, California demonstrates that this high teach measure may be effective. In the first year after cameras were introduced in Rialto, the number of complaints filed against officers fell by 88 percent compared with the previous 12 months, while use of force by officers fell by almost 60 percent. Rialto police chief, William A. Farrar, believes cameras may encourage both citizens and officers to behave better. Cameras also provide objective evidence of incidents, making it easier to resolve complaints against police. Despite benefits that the cameras may produce, concerns have been raised regarding the cost of phasing in officer cameras in major cities. Privacy advocates have also raised concerns about the use of cameras. Nonetheless, many believe that cameras may hold real promise in maximizing the accountability of the police. To read more, go here.
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