Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/423221
www.officer.com December 2014 Law Enforcement Technology 15 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY him a name or was rude and disrespect- ful, things like that. Our video cameras in the car have refuted a lot of those claims and they've been an excellent tool to really tell what happened. I think body cams are no different; they're just mounted somewhere else. (As opposed to managing data) I think the hardest part with body cams is getting our people to buy into them, meaning our police officers, and not be concerned with the administration watching over their shoulders…I think the majority of officers are for it and they're ok with it; I just think they have a lot of questions. On the start of the holiday shopping season: Johnston: Every year prior we hold an information meeting on current trends and checking credit card fraud; we answer questions and make sure stores know how to complete retail theft com- plains and fact sheets if they have some- body in custody for stealing. LET: What was your biggest success this year? Johnston: I think the biggest thing is, as a department, we sponsored a National Night Out event. It was one of the most successful events we've had. We're about building those rela- tionships with the community, and when we can bring 4,000 people to a park as one community being served by various police and fire agencies, to me that was a success. I think there are times when people are apprehensive of stopping officers. For us it's a big anticrime message…and pro-police and pro-community. On negative press: Johnston: My only concern is really this image issue we have as police. Unfortunately a lot of officers bring this on themselves and I tell my guys, "[Do] what's right"…and it's not always about who's right, it's about what's right… there are always heat of the moment issues. I think it's appalling when you hear of an officer who's been shot and then you read a comment that he probably deserved it. And if that's what people think, we need to turn that around. I say with confidence I'm sure we enjoy support. I do. I think though that a lot of these comments and issues are media driven because they're there to sell the news. News of an officer doing some- thing good should always outweigh news of the bad. But that goes with a lot of people; it's the bad that sells. ■ • Lightweight & padded on body side • Room for keys, wallet, ammo, etc. • Ambidextrous 800-GUNHIDE 631-841-6300 (Use Promo Code LED4 for FREE SHIPPING!) 431 Bayview Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701 www.desantisholster.com Circle 9 on Reader Service Card