Demand RELIABLE evidence for police shootings!
- by: AJ Emanuele
- recipient: Attorney General Loretta E Lynch
Body-worn cameras have obstructed or misaligned camera views when a firearm is drawn. Sometimes they are turned off or not being worn when needed. The problem is well-known by decision makers and even police themselves: a Deputy Chief told me of an event when THREE officers were equipped with body cameras during a shooting, but not a single camera captured the evidence they desired.
Another solution is something like the MagCam: it's a camera attached directly to an officer's firearm, closing the evidence gap we often see in police shootings.
We desire an emphasis on law enforcement camera grants and guidelines to include the language of “A RELIABLE means for recording officer involved shootings.” Transparency and accountability are the first steps in rebuilding trust between communities and government.
We commend you for supporting the adoption of body-worn cameras. They are an important part of documenting an event.
The market for police cameras has evolved and improved as evidence gaps have been identified. In-car cameras document traffic stops and body cameras document routine arrests. An evidence gap exists for officer involved shootings.
Body worn cameras have obstructed or misaligned camera views when a firearm is drawn and are often turned off or not being worn when needed. One Deputy Chief told me of an event with three officers equipped with body cameras during a shooting but not a single one captured the evidence they desired.
The MagCam, a firearm based camera, is the easiest and most reliable way to automatically record an officer involved shooting. This solution will close the evidence gap and do for officer involved shootings what body cameras did for routine arrests.
Head mounted cameras have the ability to produce reliable views of the target during the most critical moments. Reliable views will be dependent on individual policies and procedures regarding officers turning the camera off and removing it while on duty due to privacy and community policing demands.
Officer involved shootings are a major driver of the DoJ’s support of cameras. We would like your grants and guidelines to therefore focus on the adoption of RELIABLE solutions.
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