Body-worn video: LE use in the USA?
A colleague and I recently discussed the use in the UK by LE of modern technology, in particular the use of mini / head-cameras.
The UK is well known for having millions of CCTV cameras, sometimes the results seen in “fly on the wall” documentaries, using CCTV, vehicle-mounted video cameras and still a cameraman. I was in the USA over Xmas and noted when watching a few police TV shows none used the mini-cameras.
The impetus for head-cameras here came from a bar threatened with closure for disorder etc and their website is: http://www.robocamuk.com/node .
There is a short CNN News clip:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKjZIm9nNgs
Wearing these cameras has become an option for non-law enforcement personnel, notably in high-risk actions or locations, for example door staff at clubs and bars. Here is an example of a cyclist –v- a ‘road rage’ motorist:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zWt1SYTlZU
Are there reasons for the apparent lack of interest in head-cameras?
NYPD told to have 1k body cameras
Quote:
U.S. District Judge Shira Scheindlin ordered a pilot program of the cameras and other major reforms to the New York Police Department's stop-and-frisk policy this week, after she found the NYPD intentionally discriminated against minorities.......In New York, Scheindlin ordered one police precinct per borough where the most stops occur to host the yearlong pilot program. That means possibly more than a thousand officers would be recording with cameras on their eye glasses or lapels.
Link:http://online.wsj.com/article/APf61b...KEYWORDS=lapel
SF Fire Chief Bans Helmet Cams
Not LE but close. San Francisco Fire Chief has banned helmet cameras.
http://news.msn.com/videos/?ap=True&...om=en-us_msnhp