Atlanta Police Department considers purchasing body cameras

In the wake of the Ferguson, Missouri shooting death of Michael Brown, calls for more detailed monitoring of police officers are increasing.  Recently, Channel 2 WSB reporter Rachael Stockton spoke with Atlanta Police Department’s Chief George Turner about monitoring of officers.  According to Ms. Stockton’s report, the Atlanta Police Department is considering investing in body cameras to be worn by all of its officers while on duty.  The cameras, should APD decide to invest in them, would be an excellent tool for officers in the field.  The cameras would serve several important functions: (1) gathering evidence about suspects’ alleged criminal activity; (2) protecting officers from frivolous departmental complaints and lawsuits; and, (3) protecting the rights of citizens if/when officers abuse their civil rights.

Other police departments across the country have reported success when implementing body cameras for their officers’ use.  According to Ms. Stockton’s report, a case study involving the Rialto, California Police Department showed that citizen complaints against officers fell by 88% when officers wore body cameras.  While Ms. Stockton’s report indicates that several factors, including cost and data storage issues, make this a long-term project, the fact APD is considering the investment appears to be a bright spot in the history of a department which has an unfortunate history of civil rights violations.  If the cameras are purchased, they would serve as an excellent tool in the field for enforcing the law against criminals and the civil rights of innocent citizens.

See Ms. Stockton’s story at: WSB.