The San Jose, California, police department has been under fire recently for several incidents involving the use of excessive force by officers on unarmed individuals. Perhaps the best-known incident in recent months was the beating and tasering of an unarmed student caught on video in September.
An exhaustive report published by the San Jose Mercury News on Sunday examined resisting-arrest cases over a one year period ending in October 2008, and found some disturbing patterns. Resisting arrest charges are notoriously used by police to cover up excessive, unnecessary force. The Mercury News investigation found 321 resisting arrest cases during the one-year study period, and discovered ten officers who reported using force in four or more incidents. This report lends some validity to a “bad apples” theory, that a few officers are responsible for most instances of excessive force.
The San Jose Police Department has been reeling from these accusations in recent months, but officials are taking action. Following on the heels of in-car cameras, which have provided critical evidence in cases across the country, San Jose is now experimenting with cameras worn by officers on their heads. It’s the first major department in the country to try wearable cameras.
The department is adapting to modern technology and attempting to use it to improve practices. Onlookers have caught incidences of officers using excessive force on cell phone cameras, and YouTube has been the department’s enemy. Wearable cameras could uncover misconduct, but they can also clear officers wrongfully accused of wrongdoing and can provide valuable material for training. Video evidence of an arrest can be critical in a criminal case.
By turning to video to help monitor its officers and collect evidence, San Jose is on a path toward transparency. It’s no a panacea, but it’s a step in the right direction.