Body cams good move for village

Published 10:19 am Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Over the past several months, the South Point Police Department has started to use body cameras while completing official business.

The use of the body cameras is a good move by the police department and one that should be a consideration for other law enforcement agencies throughout the county and region.

While many governmental agencies are facing a reduction in funding, this is a project that could be beneficial for law enforcement and the public.

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With the nature of many of the calls police respond to on a daily basis, along with other duties such as traffic stops, it is a quality addition to aid both the officer and the community.

All have seen, heard or read about the recent incidents between law enforcement and the public in Ferguson, Missouri and New York City.

Having something like a body camera could provide vital information and could be used to corroborate and validate statements of officers, witnesses and others involved in the case.

Additionally, the use of body cameras provides an accountability element for officers and provides the capability for things like training or evaluations.

The benefits of this asset to the police department outweigh the costs associated with the investment.