Body Camera Research Paper

Four out of fifty states have passed laws requiring some officers to wear body cameras. Oklahoma is not yet one of them. The Sooner State currently has a law that if body cameras are worn all camera data is released to the public under the open record law. This law does not require the officer to be equipped with the camera. It states that if footage is recorded the police may be able to temporarily withhold the records from the public, had the footage not contain a death or violence to a person not caused by an officer. NewsOk states that governor Mary Fallin passed this law in 2015. Although I think Oklahoma does have a decent law in tact I think that stations throughout the state should still be required by law to have most if not all active officers wear body cameras.
What if an instance does involve harm by the officer? Then if that officer is not required to wear the body camera there will be no official proof of the incident. Hear say is a big problem throughout the world. Oklahomans should not have to have their laws justified by such a matter. The law offices should provide clear and visual data had a problem arise with an officer. There have been many recent shootings throughout the United States
“To date, 19 states have enacted laws or adopted resolutions concerning body worn cameras for police.” This goes to show that the issue is in fact an issue that needs resolving. More states are enacting laws to help improve their police force by using body cameras. The site also states that “policing has become the focus of national debate, with much attention being given to expanding body camera laws.” I think this is an example of our nation seeing the issue and trying to resolve it even if it may be one law adjusted at a time. Overall I think body cameras will simply improve the state’s police force. It will not only help protect our officers but our citizens as