I was very pleased to see that Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler was able to acquire funds to help Vancouver police get body and vehicle cameras. However, seeing as she is the congressional representative for Southwest Washington, why was there no money for any of the other law enforcement agencies in Clark County?
I’m sure all the local agencies could have also benefited from the same financial assistance in the acquisition of camera systems. I used an in-car video system for seven years as an officer at VPD, and I truly believe it made me a better officer. I was more aware of my actions and words, and as it’s been said, “The video doesn’t lie.”
I hope the community understands the benefits of such equipment when used by the men and women in law enforcement. It will directly show their words and actions, but it will also show the words and actions of everyone they encounter. The camera doesn’t distinguish between the uniform and the public, and it does not separate integrity and respect. The public will be on camera as well, and every word and action from them will also be recorded, good and bad.
