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Officer-Worn Cameras Expand Point of View

NCJ Number
233933
Journal
Techbeat Dated: Fall 2010 Pages: 6-7
Author(s)
Date Published
October 2010
Length
2 pages
Annotation

This article discusses the use of officer-worn video cameras by police departments.

Abstract

This article discusses the use of officer-worn video cameras by police departments in Kentucky and Colorado. Body-worn video cameras can be used in place of in-car, dash-mounted cameras to increase transparency of operations and reduce litigation resulting from excessive use-of-force cases and false accusations against police officers. The use of officer-worn cameras can result in cost-savings for police departments and improved community relations. The police departments in Erlanger, KY, and Lafayette, CO, switched to the use of body-worn cameras for financial reasons: body-worn cameras are considerably less costly than in-car, dash-mounted cameras. The police departments also found that the portability of the cameras increased officer safety, reduced agency liability, reduced officer complaints, and improved the public perception of the police.

Date Published: October 1, 2010