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Smile, You May Be On Camera
As with many technological advancements, the video-camera has been a welcomed addition to those who enjoy memorializing special events in their lives. In a world of micro this and micro that, many special moments can be captured to enjoy time and time again. The video-camera also has a monumental effect on law enforcement. In times past when court cases came down to "he said/she said" testimony that was all the evidence to present. Now a police officer can pop in a digital tape and the whole world can see exactly what occurred that brought everyone to the courthouse. In DUI cases, this evidence is hard to dispute when you see the accused stumbling all over the place, swearing to high heavens and performing bodily functions that are best done in the privacy of one's home. With this evidence available, it is hard for anyone to believe that he had only one beer!
However, this technology had also has an adverse effect for those who have the tendency to step over the line in their law enforcement duties. We all know that 99.9% of all police officers not only will not be threatened by the taping of them performing their duties, but in fact, would welcome it for obvious reasons. But, for that small fraction that may abuse their powers, this method has proved to be a relief for those who have been the victims of brutality or other improper actions by law enforcement officers. More and more we see video tapes that depict someone literally getting the stew beat out of them and the results are right there on tape for the whole world to see. Certainly the tape alone is not enough to make a decision about exactly what has occurred, but it is a useful tool in any investigation where wrong doing has been alleged. The tape, along with many other obvious pieces of evidence necessary to draw a conclusion, can be a powerful asset in any case where wrong doing has been alleged.
Video cameras have also become a very active part of police actions based on the filming done by bystanders who had nothing to do with the incident they recorded. Many high profile cases of wrongdoing came as a result of an incident being taped unbeknownst to the officer involved. Law enforcement officer have always been held under the spotlight as to the actions that they may take in any situation and so it should be. Police officers should be held to the highest standards as to their behavior while on duty. This expectation of exemplary behavior and high standards is what separates our country's law enforcement community from other countries that are up to their gun belts in corruption and are held in very low esteem for those that they are supposedly in place to protect.
Video innovations have also been utilized in many enforcement methods, such as cameras in place at intersections where traffic violations are frequent. Several metro counties are putting this system in place whereby violators will be mailed a copy of their vehicles (depicting the offense) along with a fine for the violation. Other uses of cameras can be beneficial in detention centers, prisons and other confinement facilities where confrontations may arise.
Cameras can be a friend or foe depending on which side of the story that you find yourself. As long as we use them as one of many tools, it should be something that we use and use frequently to find out the truth about whatever allegations have been made. However, we should also be careful not to place more importance on this type of evidence than we would put on other available information. It is only a piece of the story. It is true that a picture can tell a thousand stories, but it may not tell the whole story. Justice can result only when the whole story has been told.
For further information, visit www.voice4victims.com
If you are interested in having Mr. Hall speak at your next club or group meeting, please email contact information to:
SHallBadgeNotes@aol.com
061104
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