In the wake of the tragic police killing of Channara Tom Pheap, one thing is clear: if officer Dylan Williams had been wearing a body camera, we would have a much clearer picture of exactly what happened.

Every police officer in the country should be wearing a body camera. Body cameras help ensure proper justice and accountability when officers use force. Cameras protect citizens from unjustified force at the hands of officers, and protect officers who are doing their job properly.

Such transparency and accountability will help transform the relationship between police and communities. A study in California showed that cameras resulted in 60% reduction in use of force, and an 88% decline in the number of complaints against officers.

The community has called for the use of body cameras, and law enforcement across the country is increasingly embracing them. Now is the time to implement this straightforward and common sense solution in our city.

WE ALSO NEED CLEAR POLICY ON THIS ISSUE ALONG WITH THE BODY CAMERAS AND MEASURES TO INSURE DEVICES ARE ON AT ALL TIMES WITH DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR OFFICERS OBSTRUCTING THE LAW.