Technology is transforming law enforcement, and dashcams and body cams worn by police officers are a part of that. For all kinds of routine work, having a record with clear audio and video helps to improve police work across all fronts. Even as police departments around the country begin to invest in car video systems and body cameras, they need to keep an eye on the bottom line. In car video systems that fit the budget of smaller police departments can help local police forces to improve their work as well as community relations.
Body cams for routine policing
Body cams worn by police officers can improve performance and outcomes even in routine work. When police officers are dispatched to investigate any call or incident, in vehicle stops or pursuits, having an in car video system can help to record valuable evidence.
Especially in investigative stops and initiating arrests, or operations like frisking and searching individuals and responding to resistance or aggression, body cameras worn by officers can enhance their safety as well as public safety. When conducting interviews on the field, body cams and in car video systems can help in the recording of evidence that can be used in future prosecutions.
Benefits for police departments
More and more police departments are investing in in car video systems and body cameras for law enforcement, because these make a difference, in the field and beyond. In any adversarial situation, such as making an arrest or transporting people in custody, the safety of the officers as well as suspects is enhanced through an accurate documentary record.
In car video systems and body cams also improve community relations, creating greater trust, transparency and accountability. This helps to improve officer and public safety. Cameras worn by officers or in car video systems also provide evidence for criminal investigations and prosecutions. They can thus help to deter criminal activity, and also provide information and material to be used for training.
In car video systems for all budgets
With so many advantages, police departments across the country are opting to invest in police body cams and in car video systems. By early 2015, about one third of all 180,000 police departments across the country were using body cams. About 72% of all state highway patrol vehicles have in car video systems, as compared to just 11% in 2000.
Each police force has its own unique requirements, and systems must be customized. Cameras that provide clear evidence that can be used in a court of law can help improve police work and public safety. They can also deter criminal activity by providing clear proof of identity of perpetrators.
For smaller departments, such as local police forces, budget considerations are important and there is need for affordable, high quality systems.
In car video systems and body cams for police officers are transforming police work and enhancing officer and public safety. Cameras can deter criminals, provide evidence that can be used in investigations and prosecutions, and improve community relations by providing transparency and accountability. Police work continues to be difficult and dangerous, but police departments across the country are finding that cameras can help and support their work.