Northamptonshire Police sent out a question to the public on their Facebook page this Monday: “What do you think of body worn video cameras for officers and PCSOs?” Several members of the public responded to this growing issue and almost all responses were positive.

One person commented that body cameras are, “often more of a deterrent to crime than the presence of an officer. At the end of the day, the camera tells the true story.” 

Another person applauded the potential wider use of body worn video cameras. She explained she was frustrated at talking to the parents of anti social boys in her neighbourhood to no avail. She feels that using body worn patrol cameras would show proof of what happens in the streets where she lives.

Many people who commented said that the cameras meant there was nothing to hide. One person said, “If you haven't done anything wrong then you don't have anything to hide, so I see no reason why there should be a problem.” This idea is commonly held in America, where patrol cameras are seen as evidence for the actions of both a member of the public and an officer. Most cameras, for example the RS2, have no deleting function on the camera itself. This helps prevent tampering before cameras are handed in and video uploaded at the end of a shift.

One man suggested cameras would make no difference. All other responses were positive, which suggests the public is receptive to the use of body cameras.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/northantspolice/posts/10150267530234549