Discuss the benefits of police body-worn cameras and explain how they may serve as a control on officer discretion
What will be an ideal response?
Body-worn cameras serve as a method of providing an accurate account of interactions between police officers and civilians. This is especially important in situations where the only parties present are the subject and the officer. As much as body cameras may be seen as a way to monitor police activity and ensure they behave in an ethical manner, it may also protect officers as it could provide an objective account of events in instances where witnesses claim police wrongdoing. Another potential benefit is that if the footage is made available to the public in some capacity, it may show transparency on the part of the police department and improve citizens’ perceptions of the police. Finally, it is also believed that officers will be cautious when exercising discretion if they know that video footage of the interaction is available and may be available to the public, supervisors, or a court of law.
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