Body cams are personal cameras used by police officers during encounters and interactions with citizens. Some police agencies already use body cams. Many agencies use dash cams. Dash cams are cameras installed in patrol cars that capture traffic stops. In car video can be important evidence in DUI cases.
A couple of years ago, Denver Police Department considered body cams, but ultimately, did not implement the use of body cams at the time. The program was not implemented due to financial concerns. In addition, there was an issue with the type of camera being tested. The Chief of Police, Robert White, is reconsidering the use of body cams according to a Denver Police Department spokesperson.
There is some concern, as expressed by the ACLU, that the use of such cameras may infringe on citizens’ privacy rights. However, a body cam provides an objective account of events. In this respect, a body cam is no different than a dash cam used to record traffic stops or cameras inside booking areas at the police station. Such recording devices may be a win-win for both police and citizens. Because such recordings are objective, officers are protected from false allegations of force or brutality while citizens are similarly protected against false statements made by officers in an attempt to bolster evidence.
If you are charged with any type of crime, whether it be a DUI, a misdemeanor or a felony, it is important to know whether the police agency that investigated your case uses any sort of special technology when investigating cases because if a body cam or dash cam was used, those recordings should be turned over to you. The best defense attorneys will be certain to find out whether such recordings exist in your case and request that those recordings be shared.
Source: https://m.9news.com/Investigative/article?a=359318&f=2460