Comment On Fellow Classmate's Blog

  In Jessie Ellis’ blog, ¡Effects and Affects of TheAmerican Government!, the article, Body Cameras, discusses the issue of required recording of actions and interactions by police officers with civilians and with each other. While Ellis argues for the use of body cameras, and while I agree with the argument made, both sides of the issue aren’t covered.  For instance, it would require a large amount of tax-payer money to equip officers across the nation with high definition cameras that record constantly. There would need to be large buildings of servers to record the data, federal departments to sort through all the footage, and federal programs to legislate the storage, use and misuse of such sensitive information. As mentioned by Ellis, there are also moments when recording would be inappropriate, such as the informing of family of the death of a family member, or during the testimony of a rape victim, which, by recording, might discourage them from speaking out. On the other hand, knowing that what they say will be heard by others might encourage people to use their voice to speak up against injustice and be a solution to civil and criminal problems.

  

  I’m for the required use of body cameras by police officers, for many of the reasons stated, such as reestablishing trust between police officers and civilians, and reminding both police officers and civilians that, badge or no badge, people are people, and should be treated kindly, fairly, and as oneself would want to be treated. We should be working with each other, not against each other. Police officers are supposed to keep the peace and protect civilians, not treat them violently and as inferior. Civilians should remember that police officers are meant to help, and instead of jumping on the bandwagon of distrust for public officials, citizens should work together to establish a healthy coexistence between groups, despite any and all differences, and all the while focusing on the similarities shared. Besides, nowadays, kids across America are making YouTube videos, teenagers are taking selfies, and twenty-something year olds are adventuring around with GoPros. If citizens are recording videos for personal enjoyment and recreation. I think police officers can do it for the sake of professionalism and taking a step towards keeping the peace.