Bruder: Don’t expect body cameras to cure all our ills

The S.C. Sheriffs’ Association hopes the new body camera law will better protect “the police, the citizens and the truth,” as one senator has eloquently put it. But it’s important to understand what this law will and will not do.

This law requires every law enforcement agency in South Carolina to use body-worn cameras. It does not, however, require every officer to wear a body camera on every police contact. And the requirement doesn’t take effect until the state provides funding for the cameras — including maintenance and data storage.

The Legislature is providing only $3.4 million for the coming year — not nearly enough to fully outfit all 15,000 S.C. law enforcement officers. That will take a significant, long-term financial commitment. Until then, agencies can purchase body-worn cameras only as funding is available.

Critical incidents can happen in the blink of an eye. There will always be times when it is neither possible nor feasible to have body-worn camera footage. The absence of video should not be viewed as evidence of an innocent suspect and a guilty officer. Rather, video should be seen simply as an additional tool to assist in the quest for justice.

We also should be careful not to put too much trust in this technology. While sheriffs fully recognize the benefits of body-worn cameras, they won’t magically mend community relations. Technology, no matter how far it advances, will never accomplish what can be gained when people take the time to sit down, talk, listen and attempt to understand a different perspective.

It is often said that public safety is a core function of government. While I believe that is true, it is also true that far too many law enforcement agencies in this state are barely making ends meet. A constant cry for smaller government has resulted in a government that provides less.

Law enforcement agencies are in desperate need of advanced training in cultural diversity, use of force and de-escalation. If we truly want to increase protection for law enforcement officers and the public, then we need to provide the funds necessary to attract, recruit and retain the best and brightest officers. Those officers should be psychologically tested and equipped with the best training available to ensure they serve and protect our communities with equality, fairness and justice.

Executive Director

S.C. Sheriffs’ Association

Columbia

This story was originally published July 1, 2015 at 7:24 PM.