The Body-Worn Camera (BWC), also known as body-worn video or bodycam, is a wearable audio, video, or photographic recording system. They are typically worn on the officer’s uniform or helmet and used by police officers to record their daily routine, and evidence from law enforcement scenes. Evidence recorded by bodycam can help prevent and resolve controversial complaints brought by members of the public; and improve police transparency, performance, and accountability. It is a highly effective resource, providing unchangeable audio and visual records of interactions that capture critical evidence in the event of a crime, police-citizen interaction, or use-of-force incident.
Why is Body-Worn Camera Important?
Better Transparency
Bodycam brings better transparency and accountability and improves law enforcement legitimacy. When there is a lack of trust and confidence exacerbated by questions encountered during some law enforcement scenarios, such as violent demonstrations, and protest riots, audiovisual footage captured by bodycam provides better documentation to help confirm the nature of events and support accounts articulated by officers and the public.