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.

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