An important article

[pcuser]

http://news.yahoo.com/body-cameras-protect-public-police-first-ever-study-235121538.html

[Lady Quagga]

No. And here's why.

I really, really, REALLY like the idea of body cameras. A body camera would be able to accurately document procedural adherence. But it would provide the worst kind of inflammatory evidence against officers. Why? Because any normal human being abhors the use of justifiable violence (including lethal force) against a suspect, even if it is justified. This is the reason why reputable law enforcement agencies immediately guard officers involved in shootings - even in a righteous shooting, officers feel incredible remorse over their actions.

EDIT: I need to elaborate on this. I feel that on Code 2 encounters, this could be quite beneficial. It could prevent the escalation of an incident, from both sides. But if you are going in Code 3, or even Code 6, this could present a really bad situation. Just my opinion.

[pcuser]

No one likes anyone getting killed. However, this will protect police who are often accused falsely. The evidence suggests that both sides act better when it is all being recorded. The incidence of reported police abuse of force can drop by more than 80% by other tests of this technology. The evidence suggests that even arrestees cooperate more when it gets recorded. You're correct that most if not all officers feel great remorse at having to hurt anyone. That's at the base of all policing, the knowledge that sometime, you might have to defend yourself by taking harmful action. That's perhaps an argument for paying officers more money and having regular intervals in less dangerous assignments. We need better answers where we can all have transparency and perhaps have less confrontational attitudes on both sides... Any ideas how to accomplish this outcome? By the way, I agree that cops need help in dealing with the use of justifiable force...

[Lady Quagga]

Perhaps we're missing the point.

There are situations which do not start off violently, and remain.......amicable. This would be a beneficial time for cameras.

Then there are situations which quickly escalate into use of force situations.

Even with the best training, an officer must act on instinct. His training guides that instinct, but ultimately it's an "you vs. me" situation, unless you are dealing with a racist prick - which even then would be an after-the-fact realization. Officers are afforded NO protection with cameras - there is nothing on a camera which projects the human perception of danger.

[Skyler]

No. And here's why.

I really, really, REALLY like the idea of body cameras. A body camera would be able to accurately document procedural adherence. But it would provide the worst kind of inflammatory evidence against officers. Why? Because any normal human being abhors the use of justifiable violence (including lethal force) against a suspect, even if it is justified. This is the reason why reputable law enforcement agencies immediately guard officers involved in shootings - even in a righteous shooting, officers feel incredible remorse over their actions.

EDIT: I need to elaborate on this. I feel that on Code 2 encounters, this could be quite beneficial. It could prevent the escalation of an incident, from both sides. But if you are going in Code 3, or even Code 6, this could present a really bad situation. Just my opinion.

I agree. The average American idiot knows nothing of the use of force continuum. Every use of force looks excessive to untrained persons. Also, I think you meant code 9. Code 6 just means you are busy. Code 9 is an emergency response. Also called over the radio as 10-99.

[DarkShadow]

Code 6 just means you are busy. Code 9 is an emergency response.

So, Code 6:

http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/cleanplatecharlie/cops-dunkin-donuts%202.jpg

Code 9:

http://wtxf.images.worldnow.com/images/4782115_G.jpg

[DockRat]

HaHaHaHa...

[Lady Quagga]

I agree. The average American idiot knows nothing of the use of force continuum. Every use of force looks excessive to untrained persons. Also, I think you meant code 9. Code 6 just means you are busy. Code 9 is an emergency response. Also called over the radio as 10-99.

No, Code 6. :)

[Skyler]

So, Code 6:

http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/cleanplatecharlie/cops-dunkin-donuts%202.jpg

Code 9:

http://wtxf.images.worldnow.com/images/4782115_G.jpg

http://media.urbandictionary.com/image/page/iseewhatyoudidthere-41997.jpg