Tag: body cameras

In Car Police Cameras: Keeping the Public and the Police Safe


The recent events in Ferguson, MO and New York City have put an emphasis on police departments around the country to improve their procedures, including their procedures for internal regulation and investigation. There have been many suggestions put forth by police officials and citizens alike, but one suggestion in particular is gaining some traction: body cameras. Body cameras, which, as the name suggests, are cameras attached to a police officer’s person, are being put forth as a possible solution to the increasingly contentious issues of police brutality and public transparency. Police departments already use cameras for police vehicles but body cameras, so far, have not been used (with a few exceptions). Now, things are changing. Because of recent public outcry against police actions in Ferguson and New York (among other places), police departments around the country are warming up to the idea of using body cameras. In fact, the Detroit Police Department is already putting them to use. Detroit Police Commissioner James Craig announced on January 6th that his department will conduct a second trial-run of body cameras for its officers. Having already conducted a 30-day trial involving 18 police officers, Craig claims that the body cameras are a success and will aid police officers in verifying their actions. The second trial already has the support of Craig and Detroit’s mayor, Mike Duggan, and is expected to involve at least 30 officers. Detroit, which has the highest murder rate of any city in the U.S., has been going through drastic financial constraints ever since the near-collapse and eventual bailout of Detroit-based auto industries such as Ford and General Motors. Detroit was forced to declare bankruptcy and as a result was compelled to cut considerable government programs and services, including the police department and ambulance services. Detroit’s financial situation was so dire that last year, Craig suggested that Detroit citizens arm themselves in order to compensate for the city’s limited reduced presence. In a city where one out of 20 homes are likely to be robbed, his suggestion garnered considerable controversy but, in a dismal way, was also somewhat reasonable. Detroit’s use of body cameras will hopefully be a successful alternative to Craig’s suggestion of self-armament. Law enforcement already have great success with the in-car cop camera, which enables police officers to show the public their procedures, and increases public confidence in local police.

The recent events in Ferguson, MO and New York City have put an emphasis on police departments around the country to improve their procedures, including their procedures for internal regulation and investigation. There have been many suggestions put forth by police officials and citizens alike, but one suggestion in particular is gaining some traction: body cameras.

Body cameras, which, as the name suggests, are cameras attached to a police officer’s person, are being put forth as a possible solution to the increasingly contentious issues of police brutality and public transparency. Police departments already use cameras for police vehicles but body cameras, so far, have not been used (with a few exceptions).

Now, things are changing. Because of recent public outcry against police actions in Ferguson and New York (among other places), police departments around the country are warming up to the idea of using body cameras. In fact, the Detroit Police Department is already putting them to use.

Detroit Police Commissioner James Craig announced on January 6th that his department will conduct a second trial-run of body cameras for its officers. Having already conducted a 30-day trial involving 18 police officers, Craig claims that the body cameras are a success and will aid police officers in verifying their actions.

The second trial already has the support of Craig and Detroit’s mayor, Mike Duggan, and is expected to involve at least 30 officers. Detroit, which has the highest murder rate of any city in the U.S., has been going through drastic financial constraints ever since the near-collapse and eventual bailout of Detroit-based auto industries such as Ford and General Motors. Detroit was forced to declare bankruptcy and as a result was compelled to cut considerable government programs and services, including the police department and ambulance services.

Detroit’s financial situation was so dire that last year, Craig suggested that Detroit citizens arm themselves in order to compensate for the city’s limited reduced presence. In a city where one out of 20 homes are likely to be robbed, his suggestion garnered considerable controversy but, in a dismal way, was also somewhat reasonable.

Detroit’s use of body cameras will hopefully be a successful alternative to Craig’s suggestion of self-armament. Law enforcement already have great success with the in-car cop camera, which enables police officers to show the public their procedures, and increases public confidence in local police.

January 13, 2015

Police Chief Announces Second Trial of Body Cameras


In recent months, body cameras have become a popular topic across the United States. Due to highly publicized reports of police brutality across the country, from Ferguson, MO to Dallas, TX, these devices have emerged as a way to promote accountability among law enforcement professionals. Supporters even argue that the cameras would give officers the ability to review and critique their performance in dangerous situations, allowing them to improve their safety techniques. Now, the Detroit Police Department appears to be putting these theories to the test.In an interview with the Detroit News on Tuesday, January 6, Police Chief James Craig said that volunteers from the department would be taking body cameras on a second test run. In April, 18 police officers and two supervisors took part in a 30-day pilot program. Craig called the first trial a success and announced that 30 officers would be taking part in a new trial. The test run is reportedly being planned by Mayor Mike Duggan in conjunction with the Detroit Police Department. “The mayor is committed, as I am committed, to using them to enhance officer safety and have a positive impact on mitigating allegations of misconduct,” Craig told The Detroit News.”Body cameras can also enhance transparency with the community.” A representative for Mayor Duggan confirmed that he is interested in testing how body cameras would affect Detroit. However, the spokesman said that the test program is still in the early stages. Funding options are also reportedly being explored. The first trial program demonstrated at least one way body cameras might be used to help Detroit’s police officers. According to department officials, one of the officers who volunteered for the program was involved in an incident in which force was used to restrain a citizen. The volunteer’s body camera was later used to prove that the officer’s actions were justified. If instituted, body cameras could have a significant impact on the city’s crime levels: studies show that while crime rates in Detroit have dropped by as much as 16% over the course of 2014, the area is still ranked as one of the most violent urban environments in the U.S. Body cameras could become a vital tool, helping police collect evidence that could be used to prosecute a litany of offenses.

In recent months, body cameras have become a popular topic across the United States. Due to highly publicized reports of police brutality across the country, from Ferguson, MO to Dallas, TX, these devices have emerged as a way to promote accountability among law enforcement professionals. Supporters even argue that the cameras would give officers the ability to review and critique their performance in dangerous situations, allowing them to improve their safety techniques. Now, the Detroit Police Department appears to be putting these theories to the test.In an interview with the Detroit News on Tuesday, January 6, Police Chief James Craig said that volunteers from the department would be taking body cameras on a second test run. In April, 18 police officers and two supervisors took part in a 30-day pilot program. Craig called the first trial a success and announced that 30 officers would be taking part in a new trial. The test run is reportedly being planned by Mayor Mike Duggan in conjunction with the Detroit Police Department.

“The mayor is committed, as I am committed, to using them to enhance officer safety and have a positive impact on mitigating allegations of misconduct,” Craig told The Detroit News.”Body cameras can also enhance transparency with the community.”

A representative for Mayor Duggan confirmed that he is interested in testing how body cameras would affect Detroit. However, the spokesman said that the test program is still in the early stages. Funding options are also reportedly being explored.

The first trial program demonstrated at least one way body cameras might be used to help Detroit’s police officers. According to department officials, one of the officers who volunteered for the program was involved in an incident in which force was used to restrain a citizen. The volunteer’s body camera was later used to prove that the officer’s actions were justified.

If instituted, body cameras could have a significant impact on the city’s crime levels: studies show that while crime rates in Detroit have dropped by as much as 16% over the course of 2014, the area is still ranked as one of the most violent urban environments in the U.S. Body cameras could become a vital tool, helping police collect evidence that could be used to prosecute a litany of offenses.

January 8, 2015