Local Leaders Speak Out In Favor Of Police Body Camera Pilot Program
By Walt Hunter
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A veteran community leader says a decision by Philadelphia Police to equip 31 22nd Police District officers with body cameras is a "win-win" opportunity for the department and the residents it protects.
Bilal Qayyum says the cameras will provide clear video of police interactions with residents, allowing informed decisions to be made on whether police acted properly.
Police say the cameras will also provide better evidence in cases, as well as protect officers from false allegations.
The decision for the pilot program comes on the day Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey was appointed by President Obama to co-chair a national task force on 21st century policing.
Meanwhile, veteran criminal defense attorney Brian McMonagle says that the video and audio recording of suspects will have to be conducted under strict guidelines to protect both officers and suspects as cases involving body cam video and audio begin making their way through court.
Finally, SEPTA Police Chief Tom Nestel says a pilot program involving six of his officers wearing body cams that began last July is, in his words, "very successful," and that the cameras are now welcomed by officers and those they are recording. The chief says he now plans to order an additional 10 cameras to be worn by his officers.
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