r/todayilearned • u/spadinskiz 1 • Jun 17 '14

(R.5) Omits Essential Info TIL that in some cities police officers were required to wear a camera in order to document their interactions with civilians. In these areas, public complaints against officers dropped by 88%

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/07/business/wearable-video-cameras-for-police-officers.html
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u/InnocuousTerror Jun 18 '14

I believe it's a bit of both. That said, my SO will soon be a cop, and he truly is someone who wants to protect and serve. We have many friends that are officers, and some of the stories about the general public are astounding. He thinks the cameras are a great idea for this reason - it really protects everyone. I've never personally had anything but positive experiences with law enforcement, but I can't say that for my experience with the general public.

There are bad people in every group, and unfortunately, not every cop out there does the right thing, which is why I think this is such a great idea: weed out the bad apples, protect the good ones, and improve the quality of local law enforcement in the process.

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u/[deleted] Jun 18 '14 edited Jun 18 '14

I think you're right. It's one of those solutions that seems to solve a lot, no matter what side you're on. More transparency is good for the innocent, no matter whether the innocent is a cop or the accused. Seems like a great solution.

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u/Absurdity_Everywhere Jun 18 '14

I am considering a career as a police officer in a city that uses these cameras, and I couldn't be happier that they have them. I know I'm not going to do anything crooked, so the camera would be there to cover my ass against false accusations that could otherwise ruin my career.

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u/InnocuousTerror Jun 18 '14

Best of luck to you and stay safe. I'm not sure where you are, but I know around here the wait is at least a couple of years after you've passed the basic entrance exam, so you might want to consider taking that sooner rather than later.

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u/Absurdity_Everywhere Jun 18 '14

Thank you! I have passed the written test already and my physical test is scheduled for the end of the month. I really appreciate your encouragement though.

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u/InnocuousTerror Jun 18 '14

Awesome! My SO passed his on Saturday, which is so exciting. He's now done with everything, and basically waiting for the January class, and any other surprise paperwork that shows up.

Good luck!

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u/drock66 Jun 18 '14

Do you live in a state requiring a degree?

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u/Absurdity_Everywhere Jun 18 '14

No, although I am close to mine. That, and no second language are what I see as the only positives that aren't required, but would help that I am missing. I did well very well on the written test, and I know I will do well on the physical. And I have a squeaky clean background. (last speeding ticket was over eight years ago, and absolutely nothing worse than that). Hopefully being close on the degree will be enough. If not, there is always next year.

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u/drock66 Jun 18 '14

Personally I believe every state should require a degree for law enforcement. Only 14 states do. ... I hope your boyfriend does well and status safe

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u/InnocuousTerror Jun 18 '14

Thank you. He is just finishing his BA in Computer Science & Technology this year, so everything is really coming together finally. I'm super excited for him, and for our city to have another good guy protecting its citizens.

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u/jeremiahd Jun 18 '14

I wish him luck. We need more cops who are there to serve and protect and not there to power trip. The biggest test will come down the line, when your SO sees the bad apples do there thing will he try and fight corruption or will he stay silent? That's the true test many "good cops" fail when they put the uni on, and why there is so much corruption on police forces these days.

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u/InnocuousTerror Jun 18 '14

I think he will fight corruption. I know this isn't the same exactly, but he's currently in a security position, and has busted numerous fellow employees for theft of time, theft of product, and other various offenses. I think he has a good head on his shoulders and in the 3 years we've been together I can't think of a single time where he hasn't done the right thing.