Police Federation Chief Calls for More Bodycam Footage to Hit Social Media
Bodycams: The Real Story of Policing
John Apter, National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, wants forces to share more body-worn video (BWV) footage on social media. His aim? To show the full picture behind police encounters with the public – not just snippets that fuel online outrage.
Snippets Fuel Misinformation and Hostility
Apter slammed how short clips are being shared by armchair critics who jump to conclusions without knowing the facts. “This one-sided story is incredibly damaging,” he warned. “It undermines the processes we’re trying to follow and paints policing in the wrong light.”
Bodycams Protect Officers and the Public
Body-worn cameras, hailed as one of policing’s best innovations in a decade, offer transparency and help gather vital evidence. Apter highlighted research from Cambridge’s Institution of Criminology showing a massive 93% drop in citizen complaints where BWV was used.
He added that the cameras also act as a deterrent for anyone thinking of assaulting officers, since their actions are being recorded.
Police Feel Vilified Despite Doing Their Best
“Policing is not in a great place at the moment,” Apter said. “My colleagues are being vilified while doing a tough job. They’re damned if they do and damned if they don’t.”
He urged forces to release more full-length bodycam videos where possible, so the public gets the real story – and officers get a fair hearing.
