Greetings Governor Patrick,

Following the shocking homicide of Mr. Eric Garner at the hands of the New York Police Department​, the brutalization of Mr. Daniel Johnson by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, and most recently the shooting of Michael Brown by police officers in Missouri, I'd like to propose that Massachusetts be proactive to protect both the citizens of Massachusetts and police officers by implementing an initiative that would require police officers to wear body cameras.  There are far too many cases like the ones mentioned happening in other parts of the country. What is most concerning is that these instances tend to occur in communities primarily inhabited by people of color.  There has to be a solution to curb these kinds interactions that benefit both the police officer who serves the public trust and the public.  We believe body cameras will prove to be a significant part of that solution.

Similar to the program initiated by the police department in Rialto, California,  officers would wear a body worn camera that would record the interactions between an officer and the public when an officer both responds to an emergency or when he or she is in contact with the public for any reason.  

Tony Farrar, Rialto's Chief of Police, stated, "When you put a camera on a police officer or anyone, the natural human reaction is that you behave a little more professional... As an officer you act a bit more professional, follow the rules a bit better."

According to the data:

• Complaints against police officers dropped 88% in a 12 month period.
• Officers use of force declined by 60% in a 12 month period.

The program was even touted by Federal Judge Shira Scheindlin when she ruled New York's Stop and Frisk Program as unconstitutional. She then ordered the precinct with the highest number of Stop and Frisks to start using body-worn cameras. The Judge remarks:

"While the logistical difficulties of using body-worn cameras will be greater in a larger police force, the potential for avoiding constitutional violations will be greater as well."

It would be shameful on the part of our political leaders if a case like that of Mr. Garner's were to happen in Massachusetts and there was no one or no cameras to record the events that transpired to aid in the following investigation, especially when this technology is available and it's effectiveness (as supported by the empirical data) has been publicized. It behooves the state to be proactive in this matter. It is our hope Governor, that this petition has acquired more than enough signatures to warrant your attention.  Thank you.

"Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?" - Juvenal

Sincerely,

Will Henry, a concerned man.