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Jim Dwyer 2005

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Recommended: Pros and cons about false confessions

Jim Dwyer, a columnist and author, wrote an article which discusses the possible steps that can be taken to battle false confessions and witness identifications. As he argues in the article these aspects are closely connected and one leads to another. Dwyer (2005) proposes that testimonies and memories of suspects and witnesses should be treated just like any other physical evidence that is discovered in the crime scene. Also, investigators and police officers should keep in mind that testimonies are also subjected to contamination (Dwyer, 2015, para. 4). One proposal that regards eye witnesses is to present the potential evidence by an investigator who is not on the case, thus eliminating leading questions and hints on specific details …show more content…

6). Based on the research Dwyer (2005) concludes that in order to increase legitimacy and consistency of police departments, video cameras should be turned on from the beginning of questioning (Dwyer, 2015, para. 9). The Erie County district attorney identified misidentification and unreliable statements as causes of wrongful convictions (Dwyer, 2015, para. 10). The article also reviews the effects of DNA testing and the unexpected flaws and errors that had led to false convictions. All over the United States 329 people have been exonerated from their sentences. Mostly because of an error that led to another discovery and that same initial error resurfaced later on. States started to present ideas to battle such flaws (Dwyer, 2015, para. 11, and 12). Lobbyists for new rules urge opposing forces to look back on how the DNA testing improved the accuracy of investigations. Therefore, having video cameras on from the beginning of questioning is one of the next improvements that aid investigators and the justice system in general (Dwyer, 2015, para. 14). As discussed in class police exercises great array of power when it comes to interrogations and questioning methods. Nowadays the law enforcement officers are more limited in their imagination on how to extract the necessary information as

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The impact of Tim’s case was also felt on a national and even international level, as it shed light on the importance of using accurate and scientific evidence in the legal system and the need to reform the criminal justice system to prevent wrongful convictions. Tim’s story has inspired many other cases to be re-opened and re-examined, leading to the exoneration of several other innocent individuals. Overall, the case of Tim Cole has had a profound impact on the criminal justice system and has helped to bring about important changes in the use of DNA

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When examining the debate over body cameras aiding in the solution to decrease the amount of police abuse of authority, we have to consider the advantages as well as the disadvantages. Some obvious advantages of police body cameras would be as stated by McCamman & Culhane (2017) studies determined that body cameras helped to deter police use of force with suspects, provides a visual perspective of a scene, evidence for police and the suspect, and increased public awareness of policing. The disadvantages include invasion of privacy during intimate situations, does not provide the whole picture leaving out the pre/post events of the case, provides the public with skewed visuals, and might prevent some officers from intervening in high stake

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Program Outputs With the implementation of body worn cameras, it has the potential to positively influence law enforcement-community relations, the efficiency of the court system, and relieve overcrowding in prisons. The use of body worn cameras will decrease citizen’s complaints, use of force incidents, and the caseloads for attorneys. The video footage that is collected by officers wearing body worn camera can provide better cases and has an exceptional tool in prosecuting domestic violence offenders, especially involving victims who are hesitant to testify.

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The powerful words “trust, but verify” were once said by former United States President Ronald Reagan. These words need to be used for all situations and people. In order for there to be trust and a way to verify what happens between the police officers and citizens, police body cameras need to be worn. Technology is advanced as it has ever been and there is now a way for police officers to wear a camera right on their uniform. This technology must be taken advantage of for the benefits it provides to police officers and citizens.

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The article “Justice Department Allocates $20 Million for Body Cameras” by Christina Beck it states, "These grants will help more than 100 law enforcement agencies promote transparency and ensure accountability, clearing the way for the closer cooperation between residents and officers that is so vital to public safety” (Beck). This shows how the use of these devices can help ensure the cooperation of citizens. It also oversees the actions of the officers and whether force was necessary. This article contributes this idea by stating, “Some existing laws that govern what information is released to the public are on the chopping block, as states try to strike the balance between a citizen's rights to privacy and making officers answer for their actions” (Sullivan). This shows citizens have the right to privacy, meanwhile is an officer uses unnecessary force they may have some questions to answer for their chief or Sergeant.

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