The Sterling Brown incident has proven that it is vital for law enforcement to be equipped with body cameras. As an early champion of this technology for the sake of both officers and the public, predictions cited by me years ago have come to bear.
In August 20, 2014, I issued a call for the Mayor to fund this technology in the 2015 executive budget, statements of which were published in the Journal Sentinel. http://archive.jsonline.com/blogs/news/272060531.html
“These cameras offer the public a clear record of what transpired, and for officers who followed the law and followed procedure – but who are wrongfully accused – the footage can provide irrefutable vindication.”
My words ring true nearly four years later as circumstances surrounding the Sterling Brown incident are called into question. Regardless of your opinion on that event, I am hoping we can all agree on this: body cameras are an effective tool in police transparency and accountability.
