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Officer-Worn Cameras Expand Point of View

NCJ Number
233933
Journal
Techbeat Dated: Fall 2010 Pages: 6-7
Author(s)
Michelle Coppola
Editor(s)
Lance Miller
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.