Do body cameras protect police, the public or both? Or are they just another way for the public to play Gotcha with police?

Cameras worn by a police officer on duty record every word and almost every gesture of every interaction between that officer and the public. They are being adopted by law enforcement agencies at a rapid rate.

We believe there is a good argument to be made for the body cams. Even in small localities such as Gloucester and tiny places such as Mathews, the smallest spark can ignite a conflagration. In the emotional smoke and flames which follow (the so-called “fog of war”), it seems that the testimony of an unblinking, unwavering eye could be valuable in setting the record straight.

For reasons still to be nailed down by sociologists, it appears that tense situations between police and the public are on the rise. Ferguson, Missouri reignited briefly this summer during the one-year anniversary of Michael Brown’s shooting.

If the policeman involv...