Roundtable focusing on body-worn cameras in law enforcement

An upcoming roundtable discussion sponsored by the Pell Center will explore the science and legal issues behind body-worn cameras in law enforcement. “Body Cameras and the Breakdown in Police-Community Relations” will be held at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, March 15 in the Miley Hall executive dining room.

Cameras worn by law enforcement officers in many cities and towns across America are regarded as providing the best evidence and as an invasion of privacy at the same time. Many people believe that body-worn cameras will provide the evidence to bring truth into focus during traffic stops and other police-involved situations, but the issue is not as clear as the technology.

Has a relationship between the police and community eroded to the point that there are distinct sides? Why do both police and community feel a compelling need to videotape events with body-worn cameras to prove the facts? Moderated by David Smith, chairman of the Department of Administration of Justice, the roundtable will address these questions and review matters of privacy, law, finance, storage and expectations relating to the technology of body-worn cameras.

Roundtable discussions are open to Salve Regina students, faculty and staff. The Pell Center will provide a free lunch. As space is limited, those interested in attending should RSVP to pellcenter@salve.edu.