What is the primary role of body-worn cameras in patrol?

The primary role of body-worn cameras in patrol is to provide a record of incidents. These cameras are designed to capture video and audio footage during police interactions, which can serve as an objective account of events as they unfold. This documentation can be invaluable for a variety of reasons, including evidentiary support in legal proceedings, transparency in police activities, and accountability both for officers and the individuals they interact with.

Having a reliable record helps to reconstruct events accurately and can aid in investigations. Additionally, this footage can be useful for reviewing officer performance, conducting training, and enhancing community relations. While other options may touch on aspects related to body-worn cameras, such as their impact on paperwork or documentation practices, the fundamental purpose remains creating a clear, factual, and objective record of police incidents.