In the aftermath of last week’s nationally publicized videotaped beating of a suspect by San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department deputies, county officials are calling for deputies to wear body cameras. The idea merits discussion and greater scrutiny.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
Board of Supervisors Chairman James Ramos issued a statement Tuesday calling on the sheriff to quickly begin a pilot program to test the devices.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
“The Board of Supervisors is aware the sheriff has been exploring a pilot program to use body cameras in the department. The board encourages the sheriff to implement the pilot program as soon as possible and bring a recommendation to the board for consideration on a larger-scale program,” Mr. Ramos said.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
The potential of body cameras to keep police officers accountable in light of high-profile use-of-force incidents makes sense. Video footage can serve as powerful evidence.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
Following the fatal police shooting last summer in Ferguson, Mo., it was apparent that video footage could have greatly clarified what actually happened between officer Darren Wilson and Michael Brown. It is no wonder that, in the months following Mr. Brown’s death and a lengthy grand jury investigation that cleared the officer, President Barack Obama pushed for federal dollars for body cameras.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
Video footage has its limits, of course, as seen in the case of Eric Garner in New York, where video raised as many questions as answers. Even so, the presence of video footage in San Bernardino’s beating and the fatal shooting of Walter Scott in South Carolina provide a clear and disturbing evidence of police misdeeds.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
In San Bernardino County, the police departments of Rialto, Ontario and Chino have been utilizing officer body cameras for some time, while the city of San Bernardino is testing the devices.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
In Riverside County, with the vocal support of Sheriff Stan Sniff, his department is testing cameras on deputies at its Jurupa Valley station. The police department in the city of Riverside is evaluating their use.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
In the interest of transparency and accountability, the testing of body cameras in San Bernardino County is the least that should happen. Evaluating different devices and data-storage mediums, identifying best practices and developing effective standard operating procedures will take time, but in the interest of public trust in law enforcement, we believe this should be the future.