Just a few hundred more police shootings needed first before effectiveness of body cams known, police say

December 6, 2024
An image of a camera attached to an officer's chest. The camera is emblazoned with the words POLICE.

Law enforcement agencies across North America have been wearing body cameras for over a decade, meant to make officers more accountable and transparent — especially in cases of police shootings.

Now police say they’re closer than ever to determining just how effective they are.

“All we need is a just few hundred more officer-involved shootings and we’ll have all the data we need,” said Lily LeBlanc, spokesperson for the North American Law Enforcement Association.

“We’re so close, I can practically taste it.”

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However, police assured the public that even if body-worn cameras are found to be innefective, they’ll still expect cities, provinces, and territories — or American states — to spend millions each year to purchase and maintain them.