There is always some award season going nowadays . Maybe the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), The Telly Awards, Viddy Awards, GoPro Awards but no police video awards (yet). From a Chief’s or Sheriff’s perspective, there are several departmental videos a year that are award-worthy for you. This area has become a critical component of modern law enforcement. The “pros” of technologies are that they offer immense advantages in accountability, evidence gathering, and transparency. Sadly, they also have some “cons” on the flip side. This can be an expensive and treacherous pathway. Evolving technology allows us to learn from errors and correct the pathway for improved public service delivery.

Police leaders and supervisors have a great array of video technologies afforded to them today. The evolutions of these technologies are constantly improving daily. Each of these technologies offers new and bold viewpoints on the policing process. Body-worn cameras (BWCs), in-car dashboard cameras, and station cameras from the sallyport to the lobby, and do not forget the wildcard Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or simply drones. Police leaders crave the best information to make solid decisions, and all of these have much to offer today’s leaders.

Now, back to the days of no technology and a smaller budget. Staff must face the “B word” or budget. Initial start-up costs as well as onboarding processes can be enormous to begin with. Each of these brings not only their purchase price but also the training of staff, its longterm sustainability, such as upgrades, hardware replacement and data storage. All of these require justification within the framework of your budget and departmental

operations. There are some existing grants and support available; be sure to explore all avenues here. Add into future budgets training, maintaining certifications, software updates, and storage/file maintenance. Effective operational life for some technologies is not that long; consider projected replacement plans in the future. The biggest question is answered by asking if you can dream of doing business today without them. No. However, they create challenges regarding data management, privacy, and technical limitations. In today’s litigious world, do not forget your insurance underwriters will nearly demand that you have these advantages in your department’s complement of equipment. Is all the effort worth it? Absolutely yes!

Many credit this technology as magical risk mitigation tools. Granted, they are transforming how agencies document interactions and manage risk. The reduction of false complaints is its first order. The bodycams and dashcams provide objective, unbiased records that often exonerate officers from false allegations of misconduct. This does require higher investigative standards for the video evidence, allowing command to swiftly resolve complaints and lawsuits and reducing litigation costs. This can also support creating public trust. Citizens desire more transparency in police interactions. This allows you to gauge professional conduct and evaluate the use of force response. Reducing these offers increased protection from frivolous complaints and lawsuits but not solely a protective shield. There will be times where review of videos will be cringing to the viewer; improper police actions will be recorded as well. Protection, yes, but alas, this is a two-edged sword; improprieties will come to light. The entire mission will require the integrity of those involved. If it is bad, it will be discoverable eventually. The next step will be behavior modification via training, updated policies and discipline. The existence of this technology beckons to increase the standards of those officers and staff who use and maintain it. The possibility for recreational misuse is there, and higher standards of conduct are required. Disciplinary actions create an accountability factor. When misconduct occurs, cameras provide definitive evidence, allowing for proper disciplinary action to be taken and increasing the likelihood of sustained findings. This, of course, requires an objective review as the footage reduces reliance on subjective testimonies during internal affairs investigations.

Evidence and operations will need to be addressed as well. If the goal is improving prosecutions, then high-quality footage provides independent, audio-visual documentation that increases guilty pleas and reduces court time.

When the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or “drones,” appeared on the horizon, they created a blank slate of applications. Prioritizing emergency responses such as checking roadways for reentry into storm-razed or flooded areas or traffic management was one of my first applications. Most commanders grasp the offering of a 360-degree analysis for comprehensive situational awareness in tactical or rescue operations. The instant-evolving information for crowd management and for planned public events are great applications. The affordability of unlimited manpower is never available, so the selective placement of staff also maximizes existing resources. The safety measures that drones can offer are immeasurable. The adage “work smarter and not harder” comes to mind. However, work safety is incalculable, and the capacity to decrease first responder and public risks is a bonus. Technical constraints of drones are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (www.faa.gov) which provides and oversees testing and licensing but also has guidelines and restrictions. There are also some politicians and activists who decry public privacy and the ‘big brother is watching’ script. Just another issue to dance with.

Immediately some political leaders and bosses think this will be a liability management bonanza; it is not the end-all answer. Yes, it will allow some liability to be contained but not exclusively. One critical point regarding all this technology is strict adherence to policy and procedure. Violations must be met with discipline, for far too much is at stake. Public perception on these new methods of policing can be fragile. One safeguard is the personnel selection for these tasks. This also can create training opportunities, as video provides real-life examples for training on de-escalation techniques and reviewing departmental procedures.

There are other challenges and limitations that must be considered. Data managing, storing, and reviewing massive amounts of video requires significant financial and IT resources. “Selective Recording” and just plain human error will always haunt this arena. All technology is subject to malfunctions, or officers failing to turn on cameras can limit the effectiveness of the recording. Subjective interpretation by outside entities even after viewing an “unbiased” video, can still be subject to unqualified interpretation. Add the media to report on it, and you will be drawing different conclusions webwide. For instance, dashcams may have limited views of the actual incident.

Bottom line, the core capabilities of these technologies, coupled with clear policies is the avenue for turning your department’s technological investment into actionable intelligence, legal protection and better service to your customer base.