New Yorkers Agree on Police Body Cams
In a city known for its diverse cultures, ethnicities and economic backgrounds, New Yorkers appear to be in agreement about one thing – body cameras on New York City police officers are a must-have.
Several dozen police officers in began their 3 p.m. shift with new city-issued body cameras. The 34th Precinct, in Washington Heights, is the first station to participate in what will be a one-year pilot program in which 1200 police officers will be selected to wear body cameras.
“Far too often minor interactions between civilians and police officers escalate into the use of force, said Eric Adams, Brooklyn Borough President and former New York City police officer. A question mark lingers over the matter because their is no true way of knowing exactly what took place. The footage from the video will bring trust into the system as well as justice for all parties involved,” added Adams.
New York City political officials are not alone in applauding the new body-camera ruling. In conversations with almost a dozen people in Midtown Manhattan and Washington Heights, those same sentiments rang true for New Yorkers who hailed from every borough. ”I like it. It’s very important. It protects the people and police too.” said Gloria Methuthe, a Queens resident.
Michele Coron, a native Manhattaner now living in Queens also commented on the positive impact body cameras may have on the community. “Obviously, there’s a huge issue going on with what police officers do when they’re on a call. There’s so much controversy and problems that happen in a heat of a moment and I think that if it’s caught on camera, or if people know that they’re being videotaped, then they are more apt to think before they act. There’s really less of a discrepancy when it’s on camera, added Coron.
Jelon Vieira, a Brazilian native now living in the West Village also commented on the importance of transparency between the police department and the community they serve. “I think it’s important. I think it’s important for us to see what happens during police and citizen interaction.”
The pilot program comes on the heels of an April 21 court decision that ended a 4-year-stall in mandating body cameras in New York City. The resolution to use body cameras was presented as a response to controversial stop-and-frisk policies that were found unconstitutional.
While the new body camera legislation exists as a result of the failed stop-and-frisk policy, proven to have infringed on the rights of New Yorkers, some residents remain optimistic about their relation with police officers. “I think it’s safe,” said Mahamodou Siby, a 29-year-old taxi driver. “A lot of people are killing our police officers. Without police officers I wouldn’t be driving a cab. There’s a lot of bad people out there. The camera will make driving safe,” added Siby.
“I think it’s good and I think it will cover ground on the protocols that they follow and also monitor what the police are doing to their community and what they’re doing for their community, said Bronx resident Melissa Tilado. I also feel that right should be applied to the community. If we can record them within 20-foot boundaries, they should have the right to record us. I hope it works out for both of us, the cops and the community,” added Tilado.
Very few appeared skeptical of the new legislation, but those that did said, “It really doesn’t make a difference if they have body-cameras or not,” argued Alex Torres of the Bronx. If they don’t want you to see what’s going on they’re going to either turn on the camera late, shut it off or have someone in front of the camera to cover up whatever they want to do. It’s a waste of taxpayers money to tell you the truth.”
