San Francisco Cops, In Wake of Misconduct Allegations, Might Start Carrying Cameras During Arrests
The San Francisco Police Department is exploring the idea of officers carrying personal cameras, while the department faces numerous misconduct allegations involving footage from other sources.
The department will consider a variety of camera models, which officers would be equipped with before going to a drug bust or other arrest that requires a warrant, the San Francisco Examiner reports.
One product mentioned is the Taser AXON, which stands for Autonomous eXtended on-Officer Network, which Popular Mechanics covered in 2009. It’s an audio-video recorder that attaches to an ear, similar to a Bluetooth.
“That would be a great idea if it was cost effective,” Police Commission President Thomas Mazzucco told the Examiner. “There’s nothing for officers to hide, and I think it would be good for the public to see through their eyes for once.”
Greg Suhr, San Francisco’s police chief, announced his plan yesterday, a few hours after the city’s public defender showed video he claims is proof that officers stole a laptop and digital camera from a suspected drug dealer. The footage is reported to show officers walking into an apartment building empty-handed and leaving with bags the public defender says contained missing valuables.
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