Body cam – Definition & Meaning

Body cams have become a ubiquitous tool in law enforcement, but what exactly is a body cam? In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of body cams.

Definitions

A body cam, short for body-worn camera, is a small camera worn on the body of a law enforcement officer or other first responder. The camera is typically attached to the officer’s uniform or vest and can record audio and video of interactions with the public.

Origin

The use of body cams in law enforcement began in the early 2000s, but the technology has rapidly evolved since then. The first body cams were large and bulky, with limited battery life and storage capacity. Today’s body cams are much smaller, with longer battery life and more storage capacity.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to Merriam-Webster, a body cam is “a small video camera worn by a police officer that records interactions with the public.” Oxford Languages defines it as “a small camera worn on the body of a police officer, used to record their interactions with members of the public.”

Associations

Body cams are often associated with police reform and accountability. The use of body cams can provide a record of police interactions with the public, which can be used as evidence in investigations or court cases. Body cams can also help to deter police misconduct and improve trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Synonyms

Other terms used to describe body cams include body-worn cameras, wearable cameras, and police cameras.

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms for body cam, but some may argue that the lack of body cams could be seen as an antonym, as it would mean there is no recording of police interactions with the public.

The same root words

The root words of body cam are “body” and “camera.”

Example Sentences

1. The police department recently implemented a policy requiring all officers to wear body cams.
2. The body cam footage of the incident was used as evidence in court.
3. The use of body cams has been shown to reduce complaints against police officers.