Video Cameras For Every Cop?

We heard a couple a years ago, about police contemplating wearing small cameras to report their daily activities.

Photo by ABC News

Presently there have been a few departments that have been using them. They are made by Taser International and video footages are also kept by Taser. They come in handy in court cases, because Taser can simply retrieve the files. The response from police officers has been mixed. Some say that they don't like big brother, looking over their shoulder. But, other cops like the fact that the accused sometimes are less aggressive and behave better, because they are aware that they are being video taped.

This camera captures video and also sound. It's very small and attaches to a pair of glasses. It records how the police treat people and also how people treat the police. This is definitely a good thing! If cops are around to help keep the peace, taping a person that confronts him or her, should be tracked. Recorded evidence is a very strong tool in courts.

But there is one thing about this practice that just doesn't sound right. Presently, cops that have these cameras also have control of when to use them. This leads to bias recordings. Officers may choose not to get footage, that might incriminate them. If cops are going to use cameras as an evidence tool in court, they should be recording the whole time they are on duty. No switching off or pausing any footage! This will produce non-bias recording that will benefit officers as well as the public.

Source: ABC NIGHTLINE

'East Coast Rapist' suspect heads to court

Man suspected of sexually assaulting at least 17 women from Virginia to Rhode Island

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The man suspected of sexually assaulting at least 17 women from Virginia to Rhode Island over 12 years is scheduled to appear in court in Connecticut.

Authorities say Aaron Thomas, an unemployed truck driver, is expected to appear Monday in New Haven Superior Court.

Police say DNA confirmed that Thomas is the man law enforcement dubbed the "East Coast Rapist."

Thomas tried to hang himself Saturday in his cell and was returned to jail after a brief hospital stay.

The East Coast Rapist is wanted for 17 rapes and other attacks in Connecticut, Maryland, Rhode Island and Virginia that began in 1997. The cases were linked by DNA.

It is not clear if Thomas has a lawyer.

Source: Associated Press