Privacy and Safety a Concern as Illinois Considers Police Body Cameras

(Undated) -- In the aftermath of the violence in Ferguson, Missouri, state leaders are contemplating the use of police body cameras for better oversight of law enforcement. Some say important guidelines are needed to protect both police officers and citizens. Ed Yohnka with the A-C-L-U of Illinois say if implemented appropriately, police body cameras can be a positive tool. Yohnka says the most important recommendation is that officers always notify people when they are recording. Meanwhile, when and what should be recorded has been widely debated. Some suggest the cameras stay on throughout an officer’s shift, which Yohnka says would violate the privacy of the officer. Instead, the A-C-L-U recommends police record all interactions with civilians, so there is no situation where the option to record is up to the officer’s discretion.