Top Cop Urges Police to Share More Bodycam Footage on Social Media
The National Chair of the Police Federation, John Apter, is calling on police forces to post more body-worn video (BWV) footage online. His aim? To give the public the full story behind police-public encounters and cut through the one-sided clips fuelling social media outrage.
Short Clips Fuel Misunderstandings, Says Police Boss
As social media explodes with selective videos of police interactions, John Apter warns these snippets are misleading and damaging. “It frustrates me seeing short clips with armchair critics making bold assumptions without knowing the full facts,” he said. “This one-sided storytelling undermines policing and the processes we follow.”
Apter praised body-worn cameras as one of the best policing tools introduced in the last decade. “They bring balance, transparency, and protect both officers and the public legally,” he added.
Bodycams Show Officers Acting Professionally
Apter wants forces to share more bodycam footage—while respecting ongoing cases—to reveal the true nature of most police interactions. “Time and again, footage proves officers are professional, proportionate and reasonable,” he said.
The Federation will keep pushing for wider BWV rollout, highlighting its benefits including a massive 93% drop in citizen complaints, according to University of cambridge/" title="Cambridge" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Cambridge research.
Bodycams Protect Officers and Deter Assaults
- Reduce false accusations
- Provide clear evidence
- Deter attacks on officers
“The cameras are a deterrent for anyone thinking about assaulting police, as their actions are recorded,” Apter explained.
Police Feel Vilified Despite Public Support
Apter concluded with a stark message: “Most of the public support the police, and we truly appreciate that. But policing isn’t in a great place right now. Officers are feeling vilified while doing a tough job.”
“They’re damned if they do, damned if they don’t.”
