**TL;DR Body cameras encourage an important precedent in the police force. It allows police to demonstrate their accountability to the community, deterring illegal activity in both officers and the general public. It can give more comprehensive evidence in arrests, and insight into the effectiveness of law enforcement techniques** In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death last year, the [CEO of Axon Enterprise Inc] ( https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2020-06-05/should-police-officers-wear-body-cameras) (one of the largest companies specialising in police technology) stated that ‘we can’t change politics, but we can build tech… that’s what we do, we apply technology to social problems’. Of course, no technology can completely eradicate social problems, and wrongful police behaviour such as the George Floyd case will unfortunately not always be caught on camera. Nevertheless, police body cameras are certainly a step in the right direction. Research shows that [officers wearing body cameras experience more amicable police-citizen interactions] (https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/251416.pdf) and less resistance in cases such as [domestic violence] (https://www.startribune.com/police-body-cameras-are-newest-tool-against-domestic-violence/301380871/) incidents, as well as improving public perceptions of the police force as transparent and trustworthy. Generally, this leads to less complaints about police misconduct, greater compliance from the public, and better evidence to call upon in any lawsuits or disputes. As shown in recent years, if police lack transparency and accountability for their actions, they may irreparably damage their public image. This makes it incredibly difficult for them to appropriately perform their duties. Police body cameras are an innovative device that can help to prevent this dangerous situation.

**TL;DR - There should be more police funding for police body cams - for both the police protection as well as citizens' safety** As we move into a more technologically advanced and impactful era, we must realise the need for technology alongside traditional jobs such as policing. I believe that body cameras would allow for safety for both the police and anyone involved with the police. They are not only a protection but also a deterrent. **Protection** - One of the main reasons for having the cameras is as protection. If people see police have cameras they are [less likely to assault an officer.] (https://www.bodycamera.co.uk/pages/about-body-worn-video) - The cameras also protect any victim from any misconduct from the police, which is a sad reality in our current society. **Deterrent** - These cameras also deter people from claiming anything in their case that is evidently un-true. Having this hard evidence makes more people have to adjust their story and tell the truth in court. As a result of this, it saves a lot of police time, as well as speeds up the court process. **Complaints and Guilty Pleas** - Again the cameras also allow the police to have back-up concerning their own behaviour. There is a [33% reduction] (https://www.wcctv.com/benefits-and-opportunities-for-police-using-body-worn-cameras/) in complaints at the Met Police as a direct result of body cameras. - In addition to this, there has been a [39% increase] (https://www.wcctv.com/benefits-and-opportunities-for-police-using-body-worn-cameras/) in early guilty pleas due to the hard evidence body cam footage can bring to a trail. I think that it is evident that body cameras are a great investment for the police. They not only reduce paper work and save police time; a great investment. They also protect society and help the justice system as a result.