NYPD to test wearable cameras

The New York Police Department’s (NYPD) six commands are set to start testing wearable cameras, in a bid to improve security while reducing the number of police-civilian encounters.

The pilot programme will involve two varieties of cameras to be tested in crime-beleaguered areas including Brownsville and East New York in Brooklyn, and Staten Island’s 120th Precinct.

The testing follows after a police officer had reportedly shot an individual in disputed circumstances last month.

One of the cameras is developed by Taser, which can be mounted on cops shoulder, collar or glasses, while the other from Vievu can be worn on shirt.

According to NYPD, the cameras are aimed to defend both citizen and police officers, while may even be used as valuable evidence for use in trials.

NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton was quoted by the NYDailyNews.com as saying: "The idea is the person understands that they are being recorded and there is an ability to test the veracity (of a person’s account) through the use of the camera devices.

"Sometimes, being quite frank with you, complainants lie — bald-faced lies. And I think, clearly, the officer, knowing that it’s being recorded — in most instances it will affect the behaviour of the officers in a good way. I think he or she will feel it’s an additional protection for them."

The NYPD received $60,000 in funding for the cameras from the Police Foundation, which is a private group that raises funds for various NYPD initiatives.

In addition to NYPD, about 4,000 police agencies have been already using body cameras or currently testing them including a police team in Los Angeles.