On March 14th, 2025, my ex-husband brandished a firearm at me in front of our son. Four officers responded, yet did nothing. They lacked the tools to protect us and left us vulnerable to the fear my ex-husband instilled within us. Worse, their misconduct was undocumented due to a lack of body cameras in Roanoke County. 

It is alarming that in this day and age, accountability for police in Virginia is not inherently ensured by such an elementary device: a body camera. Body cameras help protect both the public and police officers, standing as an impartial witness in contentious events. A 2017 study in the Journal of Quantitative Criminology demonstrated a significant reduction in complaints against officers when body cameras are employed, affirming their positive impact on policing (Hyland, S., Langton, L., & Davis, E.,2017).

Our plea is straightforward. Mandate all police officers in Virginia to wear body cameras, creating a safer and more accountable environment. This requirement will establish transparency and trust, protecting citizens and officers alike from any misconduct or false accusations.

No one should have to endure what my son and I experienced. Today, we raise our voices demanding assurance of police accountability through mandatory use of body cameras in Virginia. Let's make this the norm and ensure justice, security and respect for all. Please sign the petition.