I do not have an opinion on the current events in MO. But I do have to believe that a simple camera would have added allot of clarity to the situation. Look at what happened in Rialto, CA. I think they should be mandatory for all officers around the country. Just for the fact that it would reduce lawsuits and expensive payouts. Rialtos randomised controlled study has seized attention because it offers scientific – and encouraging – findings: after cameras were introduced in February 2012, public complaints against officers plunged 88% compared with the previous 12 months. Officers use of force fell by 60%. When you know youre being watched you behave a little better. Thats just human nature, said Farrar. As an officer you act a bit more professional, follow the rules a bit better. Video clips provided by the department showed dramatic chases on foot – you can hear the officer panting – and by car that ended with arrests, and without injury. Complaints often stemmed not from operational issues but officers mouths, said the chief. With a camera they are more conscious of how they speak and how they treat people. The same applied to the public; once informed they were being filmed, even drunk or agitated people tended to become more polite, Farrar said. Those who lodged frivolous or bogus complaints about officers tended to retract them when shown video of the incidents. Its like, Oh, I hadnt seen it that way. Cameras made officers more careful about using force. Its still part of the business, they still do it. But now they make better use of what we call verbal judo.
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 15:22:40 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015