On Wednesday evening the Department of Safety held a public forum on the use of body cameras for Columbus police officers.
About 60 residents gathered at a church on the city’s northeast side and shared their unanimous support for the use of the cameras. Many shared concerns or suggestions about future policies that will determine how exactly the cameras are implemented. For example, they asked the footage be made available upon request, just like any other public record. Another request was that footage be stored for a sufficient amount of time, giving victims the chance to come forward. One attendant, Margaret Wesley said she doesn't think it’s necessary, or realistic, that officers keep their body cameras on 24/7. She said there must be a guarantee that those cameras are rolling when it matters most.
“That if the camera is on during an altercation, until it’s over and not be able to just turn it off and on at will that’s my concern,” said Wesley.
Another attendant, Reverend Joel King said that for the protection of the public, officers should not be the first allowed to see possibly incriminating footage.
“Those who have a tendency to change their stories see the footage, and now when they see the footage they can adjust their story to what’s in their favor.”
According to a 2015 report by the US Department of Justice, only 25 percent of US police agencies use the body worn cameras. The committee was appointed by Mayor Andrew Ginther in 2015. They plan on presenting their findings in the next two months.
