Head cameras: LE use in the USA?

[davidbfpo]

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?

[slapout9]

Originally Posted by davidbfpo

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?

I don't know for sure but it may be technology overload. There is so much Tech and Money floating around becuase of Homeland Security sometimes it is hard to abosrb it all. Just speculation on my part.

[Uboat509]

Cost and complexity are probably factors but I suspect that the thought of having their actions second guessed after the fact by someone sitting safely behind a desk does not appeal to US LE.

[Firn]

Originally Posted by Uboat509

Cost and complexity are probably factors but I suspect that the thought of having their actions second guessed after the fact by someone sitting safely behind a desk does not appeal to US LE.

I guess that it must be the latter and other issues, as the technology is mature and not too expensive, at least from those bike kids video on youtube and a quick google

[davidbfpo]

An update after Twitter id'd this Forbes article 'Watching The Police: Will Two-Way Surveillance Reduce Crime And Increase Accountability?':http://www.forbes.com/sites/tarunwad...rove-policing/

[KenWats]

Originally Posted by Uboat509

Cost and complexity are probably factors but I suspect that the thought of having their actions second guessed after the fact by someone sitting safely behind a desk does not appeal to US LE.

Which is kind of funny, given how helpful the dashboard cameras seem to have been as evidence during DUI stops.