re: So what's wrong with the lapel camera idea?

1. Prefer a glasses type of camera. Where my eyes are looking is not always to my front.

2. Threats don't always come from the front.

My take on cameras, love them if:

1. High frame rate and a field of view to mimic as close as possible to the human field of vision. (another reason for a head mounted camera)

2. Have all supervisors and admins wear them when dealing with the public and subordinates. (gets unions on board, I'm not in one by the way)

3. If any wrongdoing is alleged, the accused officer has right to a certified copy of all audio and video footage. (again for the officer's discovery, this is huge. It will get the line cops onboard with a fair shake for administrative hearings.)

4. Allow cops and citizens to use any and all video for criminal and civil litigation. If it is not requested it should be stored on a secure server for a minimum of 2 years. I prefer 6 for AL statute of limitations. (cost could be a big barrier)

5. Set when the camera must be on. For example:
a) lights on
b) exceeding a set cruiser speed
c) cruiser collision sensor
d) voluntary activation {any non consensual contact}
e) rifle rack release


Just off the top of my head.