For the FTP's amongst us

Any truth to this or is it just another made up facebook thing?



http://www.theguardian.com/world/20...-body-cameras-cuts-violence-complaints-rialto

http://www.policefoundation.org/content/body-worn-cameras-police-use-force

 

French policemen are required as of January 1 to wear a tag with their badge numbers on their uniforms. The police union has been fighting it like hell.

 

French cops are le' douchebags.

 

I don't understand, made up facebook thing? Makes perfect sense that the cameras would cut down on officer misconduct. Hell, wouldn't you behave better if your boss could always review what you were doing?

 

It usually goes like this:

Lawyer (with client in tow): Chief we're here to talk about how Officer X treated my client.

Chief: OK, Let's look at the video.

Video plays.

Lawyer looks at client with a WTF look on his face.

Lawyer: Sorry to have taken up your time, Chief.

 

RD, you're biased!

 

Yes, that's exactly how it always goes. What is the Zip Code for fantasy land anyway?

 

I'll bet this is the case most of the time.

But does this info go to the Fusion Centers? I would think so. I think that might change public perception too.

 

I didn't have time to research the numbers or the project yet because I'm at work (I'll read them later, along with whatever commentary this thread brings). Lots of times these facebook meme type things are exaggerations or just outright lies because most people are too lazy to do any sort of research at all.

 

Ah, I see. The information in the links seems legit...

 

I'm sure the drop in complaints had nothing to do with people's inability to make stuff up either right?

 

Mmm, I suppose that's possible but if you read the first article, it sounds like the police were behaving better...

"When you know you're being watched you behave a little better. That's just human nature," said Farrar. "As an officer you act a bit more professional, follow the rules a bit better."

"Cameras made officers more careful about using force."

"With a camera they are more conscious of how they speak and how they treat people."

 

Without a doubt there are a lot of things the individual officer can do to escalate or de-escalate a situation. I've heard some of the stories my wife brings home (SD) and it makes me cringe. Granted most of the people they deal with are complete assholes, but better to take the high ground than sink to their level imho.

 

I would think it's both.
No doubt there are many false complaints, which people won't make if they know they aren't going to fly, but I'm sure it affects the way some cops act because they know their actions can be reviewed.
I think it's a good idea for the protection of both parties.

 

Everyone behaves better when they know theyre being watched. Doesnt matter what profession youre in.

 

If I was on camera I'd have to start wearing pants:wow:

 

The city cops here have them.

 

kind of works both ways doesn't it? Someone who knows he/she is video taped behaves better as well. Right??

 

I'm sure the obnoxious drunk who would have probably gotten a beat down really gives a shit he is being video taped

 

Just to play devil's advocate, suppose one of the police officers hesitates because he's on camera and gets himself or somebody else shot because of it.