Put cameras on police: #tellusatoday

Recent cases of fatal shootings by police have sparked interest in law enforcement personnel wearing body cameras. Comments from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

People aren't thinking through the implications of this requirement. What people don't realize is that a camera records voices as officers read out people's names, birth dates and Social Security numbers. Should that be made public? How about the domestic calls they go on? Should everyone be able to watch what goes on in other people's homes? Should their fights be viewable by anyone?

It sounds like a great idea until you think it through.

Also, these videos should not be subject to Freedom of Information Act requests. Set up citizen review boards or whatever, but do not release them to just anyone.

— John Adams

There are valid issues with police body cameras, but they can be resolved. Body cameras will make better policemen and need to be mandatory.

— Wayne Leslie

Full transparency should be the rule. Wear the cameras and release the footage.

— Chance Collins

We asked our Twitter followers what they thought about police officers wearing cameras at all times. Comments are edited for clarity and grammar:

It's a great first step. But it's only fixing a symptom of bigger problems. It's not going to fix anything by itself.

— @Briannaiguess

In addition, cops should have to take a psychological evaluation after a certain amount of years on the force.

— @nickhilt89

There are legitimate reasons for turning a camera off: talking with witnesses and informants, or at the request of a homeowner.

— @nzahn1

It might make it easier to verify stories; however, it will not gain the community's trust.

— @_crrystal_

Body cameras on police? Yes! But the news media must publish stories of them doing good, too, and not just look for the bad.

— @JudiStull

Let's do it. I guarantee we'll see how difficult it is to be a cop more than anything else.

— @kendel_william

It will keep police more accountable for their actions. If they do their job right, nothing to worry about.

— @socal_cody

For more of the conversation, follow @USATOpinion and #tellusatoday on Twitter.