A brief update & a nod to the anti-camera argument

The proposition of chest cameras for our police has gotten lots of attention, and support has grown on either side of the argument. What I deem to be one of the most important considerations in this back-and-forth is the fact that the majority of people on both sides of the argument are on the same side of the bigger conversation we are having– we are all making a call for the discrimination to stop, and for accountability measures to be taken. It’s energizing to see the growing demand for change.

If we change the mindset and approach of the HRP to the cameras(and of many others who oppose), perhaps they become more a more useful tool. They first and foremost, of course, need to informed by good policy. And rather than the initial focus being on immediately modifying police behaviour, it should be about first creating the ability to monitor behaviour, and having access to video evidence when things go south. If the technology shows through use that unjust behaviour is more easily tracked, and if proper policy is in place to have consequences for that behaviour, the hope is that it will eventually deter the poor behaviour and those who would be inclined to act unjustly – but firstly, to create justice where it is due.

Finally, I welcome those on the anti-camera side of the conversation to continue come forward with ideas and concrete steps to implement change. Be it by chest cameras, or other measures, wide systemic change is needed, and of course cameras would be only a first small step toward that goal - but we need to start somewhere.

Keep up the momentum. It’s taken far too many atrocities for us to get to this point in the conversation – We need to try to honour all those we have lost at the hands of police around the world by taking steps to change the system that failed them.