In Car Camera Systems: Protecting the Police For Twenty Years and Counting

Given the recent controversies over the tactics of certain police officers, police departments around the country have eyes on them like never before. Warranted or not, public scrutiny on law enforcement is intensifying, and more and more public officials are calling for better restraints and regulatory measures to regain the public’s confidence on the police officers who serve them. For this reason, police departments, large and small, have turned to body cameras as well as in car camera systems to better protect the community as well as aid police officers in their dangerous, thankless jobs. The 780,000 police officers in the U.S. are always in need of better equipment and better training. In car camera systems have been a regular feature in most police cars even before the recent controversies began. As of now, more than 70% of state police and highway patrol cars in the U.S. have in car camera systems equipped. Various state and federal agencies have, in the past, given local police stations grant money to provide these cameras. In fact, from 2000 to 2003, the number of in car camera systems purchased by local law enforcement increased from 3,400 to 17,500. Why are in car police video systems so popular? First, they provide indisputable evidence for any criminal activity committed in front of them. Second, they provide footage of routine as well as extenuating cases that aid law enforcement in training current and future police officers. This footage shows proper procedures officers should follow as well as record any instances of inappropriate behavior. Third, many police departments will release videos from these systems, providing transparency desperately-needed today. Police officers around the country provide 24-hour protection to the communities they serve. Their jobs are not only necessary, they are welcomed by the overwhelming-majority of Americans. Though the public image of police officers has taken a hit, police officers have experienced far worse, and in car camera systems have recorded far worse, too. What do you think about police car dash cameras? Feel free to leave a comment or question at the bottom.