The use of cameras worn on the body is on the rise. In the UK, in less than two years, they have gone from pilot stage usage into the mainstream. Police forces have seen a corresponding rise in charges and convictions, particularly in areas like domestic violence. In the private sector, businesses are recognizing that new technology can protect staff and ease administrative burdens. However, anyone with more than a passing interest will want to understand the pros and cons, particularly for law enforcement.
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Advantages
The driving force behind the use of these cameras was to ease the obtaining of evidence. Witness statements can now be supported by video and audio. The footage may also speed up court proceedings, with defendants more likely to plead guilty in the face of such powerful evidence. The use of technology has highlighted other advantages, such as de-escalating confrontational situations. They have really helped police officers when it comes to road rage and road accidents although Vehicle Tracking has done a great job to allow officers to keep track of all the fleet. They may have sourced the tracking from sites like www.vehicle-accessories.net/vehicle-tracking/. Moreover, wearers of cameras are more likely to be mindful of what they say and how they say it. They also gain a substantial measure of protection against false allegations of misconduct.
Disadvantages
Although small, cameras worn on the body are expensive and require maintenance. There are also costs involved in the storage of the data recorded and accessing it in response to any subsequent legal proceedings. Technological issues are another concern, although they can largely be obviated with proper and timely maintenance.
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Anyone who is using a body-worn camera must remember to activate it. Although this is done easily via the flicking of a switch, it will not happen automatically or in response to a vocal command. Equally, users must be ready to make judgments as to when it is not appropriate to use the camera or to switch off the recording.
Privacy concerns, as highlighted by pressure organizations, are one of the biggest disadvantages. Ensuring that they are correctly addressed is an on-going issue that is of paramount concern to those such as https://www.pinnacleresponse.com/, who sell all types of surveillance equipment, including cameras. The Information Commissioner’s Office provides useful and highly relevant guidance.
Weighing up the pros and the cons
Any organization considering making use of this new technology must conduct its own balancing exercise to confirm that the pros outweigh the cons. In many cases, if appropriate safeguards are implemented, they are likely to do so.
