The digital in-car camera system has proven to be another tool to improve officer safety and accountability, enhance training and improve prosecution of criminal cases. The review of videos by arresting officers has proven valuable in the documentation of criminal activity and subsequent testimony.
However, concerns have been raised as to how the department uses the videos for administrative purposes, and we are addressing those issues as they arise, so as not to allow a "gotcha" mentality or misuse to derail the intended purpose. We believe that our officers have not only a duty to be accurate, but a right to be accurate. To that end, the review of video and audio evidence before writing reports, testifying, or submitting to interviews in not only important, but vital to that goal.
While video can be helpful, we should all remember that video images and recordings are two-dimensional and therefore are not by themselves complete investigations. The work rules for the deployment and use of body cams must assure our members that they not be used to unfairly or unreasonably scrutinize an officer's work performance.
Balancing everyone's right to privacy with technology that could, in effect, capture every moment of every day will be our emphasis as we consider and negotiate work rules. Among other issues, recording a very personal moment or a deeply visceral reaction to a violent or tragic crime scene may serve no purpose other than to satisfy morbid curiosity and embarrass someone.
At the Sept. 10 Police Commission meeting, President Steve Soboroff stated that he hoped to move forward with technological advances, including cameras on officers and more cameras in cars within 18 months. "It will enhance officer safety and risk management," Soboroff said. "It will save tens of millions of dollars in court and help us resolve crimes."
