Amid nationwide controversy over relationships between police and the communities they serve, many police departments are beginning to adopt officer-worn cameras, as a means of improving those relationships. The Princeton Police Department is currently applying for a state grant and meeting with vendors to evaluate cameras on the market, but many questions and concerns remain about their use.

Princeton Police Chief Nicholas Sutter is moving ahead on this initiative. “I am completely in favor of body cameras as is the PBA [Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association],” he said. “The cameras will increase confidence in the Police Department and clear officers of false complaints, while documenting police-civilian encounters.”

But Chief Sutter emphasized the need for a cautious and thorough investigation of potential problems with these surveillance devices. “There are a lot of questions yet to be answered with regard to policy,” Mr. Sutter explained. “Training and policy will be a major component of the technology.”

One of his concerns involves the question of an individual’s right to privacy and open public records. “This is a major concern being voiced nationally regarding these cameras. We encounter people in very personal situations. We certainly do not want to compromise a citizen’s privacy in any way. This is one of the policy concerns that needs to be addressed from a legislative standpoint with regard to public records. Will this footage be public? How do you protect privacy?”

Another potential problem, according to Mr. Sutter, is that video footage does not always capture what the wearer is actually seeing from his or her perspective. “Technology issues can make a video falsely depict what an officer was actually viewing.”

Other complaints have been voiced about possible inhibiting influences on the police officers when doing their job. “Some have argued,” Mr. Sutter explained, “that cameras can cause officers to hesitate with regard to the use of force when appropriate.”

Mr. Sutter will be studying the available evidence on both sides of the debate before implementing a body cam program in Princeton. “I am reviewing all appropriate studies on these issues,” he stated.

As the Princeton Police Department continues to work out plans for its use of body cams seeking to avoid pitfalls and maximize advantages to Police Department and community, Mr. Sutter emphasized that this important initiative would not transform the essential nature of his department’s work. “I do not see these cameras changing our job. We will continue to do what we do on a daily basis.”