Body-worn cameras and freedom of information laws do enable oversight and accountability of the police, but they also hold the potential to force sensitive data and stressful episodes in private citizens’ lives into public view that’s easily accessible online.
Body cameras help monitor police but what do they mean for citizens’ privacy?
There are potential social costs to deploying body-worn cameras, including possible invasions of privacy when sensitive moments are recorded or made public.
By Bryce Newell May 26, 2021, 10 a.m.
May 26, 2021, 10 a.m.
In the course of their work, police officers encounter people who are intoxicated, distressed, injured or abused. The officers routinely ask for key identifying information like addresses, dates of birth and driver’s license numbers, and they frequently enter people’s homes and other private spaces.
With the advent of police body cameras, this information is often captured in police video recordings which some states’ open-records laws make available to the public.
improve transparency
strengthen officer performance and safety
increase community safety
Please visit our web page for the latest information and most recent updates on our (BWC) program. The web page may be viewed at:
Update:
The police department continued its community engagement work in the Body Worn Camera (BWC) program with a Community Townhall with County Executive Steuart Pittman and Chief of Police Amal Awad, held on May 4, 2021. Video from the event can be viewed on our BWC web page.
The police department has hired five of the eight support positions for the BWC program. The last three positions are currently moving through the selection process. The remaining positions are scheduled to be filled on or around June 10, 2021.