Study: Majority of Americans Believe Body Cameras on Police Officers Will Reduce Tensions

The study found that 60% of Americans are in favor of the body cameras, but many respondents don’t know how the technology is used.

A new study found that 60% of Americans believe adopting body cameras on law enforcement officers can reduce tensions in the communities the officers protect. However, many still don’t know how the technology is used.

Research firm YouGov released the report — commissioned by body camera manufacturer Reveal — on Nov. 20.

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The study also found that 47% of Americans believe tensions between officers and community members would be reduced significantly as a result of the cameras.

While most people agree with the use of cameras, 17% of respondents wrongly believe every police officer around the country uses the technology. Additionally, 24% believe the federal government doesn’t support the body camera technology when in fact, the Department of Justice granted $23 million to 73 agencies in 32 states to fund pilot projects for the technology.

The study was conducted for the entire month of September and polled 1,122 adults. Of those 55 or older, 66% are in favor of the technology, while 57% of millennials support the cameras. Meanwhile, 63% of women thought the technology would reduce tensions as opposed to 57% of men.

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