Judith Boyle asks Stacey Eads…

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Police Accountability and the use of body worn cameras.

Do you support accountability of law enforcement through the use of body worn cameras for all law enforcement agencies and joint task forces?  Do you believe that law enforcement should be exempt from public accountability by not having to use body cams?  If a law enforcement officer was observed through body cam footage to be in violation of any code or statute, would you pursue charges against that particular officer and or agency?

— Judith Boyle

Response

Stacey Eads

Ms. Boyle,

Thank you for your very important inquiry.  Yes, I am a proponent of the use of body worn cameras by our law enforcement officers.  Body worn cameras assist in holding officers accountable for their conduct, as well as protecting officers from unfounded claims of abuse or misconduct.  Yes, if violations by an officer and/or agency are captured on video I would use the evidence to assist in prosecution of violations in accordance with the law.  Moreover, while I appreciate even body worn camera evidence doesn’t capture everything and officers are regularly placed in extremely high stress, dangerous and unpredictable situations, I would not hesitate to bring offensive or unprofessional conduct by an officer, even if it does not constitute a law violation, to the attention of their supervisor.  Moreover, if necessary, I will take additional steps to ensure accountability.  Ideally, use of body worn cameras will elevate the professional conduct of all law enforcement officers, thereby building and maintaining the public’s trust in our law enforcement officers sworn to serve and protect.

The utmost duty of the District Attorney is to protect the public.  Representative of my commitment to protect all and holding those in a position of trust and power accountable, is People vs. Cory Fisher, Sr..  I prosecuted Fisher for abusing his sons in the family home, as well as sexually abusing & harassing persons housed at the jail, while he worked as a Corrections Officer.  I personally met with all alleged victims, including those incarcerated at out-of-county facilities.  Although the jury did not convict Fisher for the  allegations involving persons housed at jail during the abuse, the charges were prosecuted because I believed they were provable.  As I have done, I will prosecute crime with integrity and professionalism, and hold all offenders accountable.  

For more information about my twenty years of experience and candidacy for District Attorney, please visit my website:  www.staceyeads4da.com.

Thank you,

Stacey Eads