Police in a handful of cities are testing a new technology that puts cameras in the hands – and on the heads – of police officers.
Full Story – CBSnews
I’m torn whether I like this idea or not.
In most instances I believe placing more accountability on police officers individually is a great idea. I believe that because of their power, it is occasionally abused in one way or another. Having a camera on them for their entire shift might make them think twice about doing, or saying something questionable. The other part of me thinks that a complete record of their actions during their shift is a bad thing because there will be a flood of complaints and requests to “review” the footage to see if an officer acted how they should have. For example, I could really care less if some scumbag who just robbed a convenience store had their face driven into the ground, got tasered, and was called a bunch of names by the arresting officer(s). All I picture happening most of the time because of these cameras, is otherwise solid cases being thrown out over a technicality uncovered after combing through the video footage.
Also, I think the camera would be more effective if it was not visible to someone that didn’t know what to look for. Having a Star Trek Borg style headset on the officers isn’t very subtle.
The cameras are made by the TASER company, and the footage is securely stored at taser company division evidence.com. The cameras reportedly cost $1700 each, and have a $100 per month service fee.
Comments
13 responses to “Head Mounted Police Cameras”
Well the cost right there is enough of a hindrance. Most departments from what I understand are already under enough of a financial strain. I say more officers over some contrived piece of technology that’s only gonna lead to more scum getting away because of dirt bag lawyers. Plus most cops already carry too much stuff as is.
If these go full scale (and become cheaper), then I can sense a new wave of Cops-esque tele shows.
hehe yea, you’d probably have to watch with a barf bag though because of all the head turning.
Meh, Cloverfield was fine for me. But good point though, for the easily sickened.
Just alittle tibit on the evidence.com website, Taser’s new model has a thing where it uploads all info about the shot from the laser on the same website.
damn that’s neat.
Cool! head mounted cameras like in Aliens!! Pulse rifles are next!! Seriously, Tazer? What happens if a suspect dies of a heart attack after being tazed and the film evidence goes through them first before the PD and the system “hiccups” while rendering it?
hehe good point Pete. I’m sure TASER would be reluctant to cough up video that would make them look bad.
God forbid they go the inexpensive route…qik.com or youtube.com and $150 ballcap cam…
Hooray another win for the Military/LE Industrial Complex!! M/LEIC & Taxfeeders–4,254; Constitution & Taxpayers–2
Give me a break…
My guess is the primary reason they went with evidence.com was because of the security. The video is encrypted and apparently securely stored offsite… so the only way the public would ever see it was if the police released the footage themselves.
They’d be better off if they strapped these to all our congressmen and senators and streamed it live on the net.
That’s the best idea I’ve heard in a while.
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