I firmly believe that police officer testimony that can’t be backed up by bodycam footage shouldn’t even be admissible. There’s essentially no reason for a cop to not have their bodycam turned on at all times unless they specifically chose to turn it off, so there’s no reason we should have to accept testimony without it.
I’d take it a step further and say that police testimony without body cam footage should be outright exculpatory. If the prosecutor is allowing a cop to testify without also trying to admit the footage, it should be grounds for the defense to get the charges dismissed with prejudice.
I firmly believe that police officer testimony that can’t be backed up by bodycam footage shouldn’t even be admissible. There’s essentially no reason for a cop to not have their bodycam turned on at all times unless they specifically chose to turn it off, so there’s no reason we should have to accept testimony without it.
They should be immediately investigated if they ever turn it off for any reason.
I’d take it a step further and say that police testimony without body cam footage should be outright exculpatory. If the prosecutor is allowing a cop to testify without also trying to admit the footage, it should be grounds for the defense to get the charges dismissed with prejudice.