The highly publicised rise in cases of police brutality worldwide has accelerated the call for more transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. Indeed, the implementation of body cameras was one of the solutions devised to increase the level of scrutiny on policemen and women. However, an emerging trend of these devices malfunctioning has thrust the issue further into public scrutiny.

These body-worn cameras, initially hailed as a tool for accountability, are designed to capture and store video feeds from the law enforcement officers' perspective during their interactions with the public. The understanding was that these cameras will serve as unbiased observers, documenting everything at ground zero.

Nonetheless, an increasing number of incidents of alleged police misconduct are showing up without corresponding body-cam footage. Indeed, for several reported instances of police brutality, the body cameras have conveniently malfunctioned - leading to a loss of valuable evidence that could have been used to establish the truth and bring about justice.

The issue of cameras malfunctioning has escalated tensions and further tainted public trust in the police. Proliferated by a narrative linking these failures to acts of police brutality, the community feels that the malfunction is not accidental but rather an enabling tool that serves the purpose of covering up misdeeds.

To put things into context, consider the tragic case of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Brown, an unarmed black teenager, was fatally shot by a white police officer. The chaotic aftermath of the event, exacerbated by the lack of concrete evidence, led to riots and unrest. Had the officer involved been wearing a functioning body cam, the truth might have been unveiled easier, and justice delivered quicker.

Similarly, the recent high-profile case of George Floyd showed that even when confronted by citizen-shot video evidence, there was denial and resistance. So, what could be the reason for these frequent malfunctions? Is it a case of technical issue or a deliberate sabotage to evade responsibility?

On the one hand, there are those who argue that these are genuine technical problems. Like every electronic gadget, body cameras are also subject to failings and malfunctions. Battery drain, software bugs, user error, or even physical damage in the line of duty - they are all susceptible to such issues.

On the flip side, skeptics claim that these malfunctions are uncannily frequent and conveniently timed. Critics argue that these ＆malfunctions＊ are not mere technical glitches, but the result of a systemic culture that shields law enforcement from retribution should they step out of line.

Moreover, it's not merely about the cameras malfunctioning; it's also about enforcing regular use of these devices among the law enforcement officers. Studies indicate that several instances of unnecessary violent force happened while the cameras were switched off. So, it's no longer about the equipment not working, but a lack of discipline and accountability with using them.

So, where does this leave us in the fight against police brutality?

Admittedly, advancements in technology have taken us forward in our quest for more transparency in policing. But, as the dysfunctional body camera issues show, adopting technology is insufficient if not backed by a culture of transparency and accountability.

To address these challenges, several measures can be considered. Firstly, law enforcement agencies need to make sure the body cameras are in good functioning order, similar to how they maintain their other equipment. Secondly, they need to instill a culture that encourages the use of this equipment in their everyday duties.

The story of police brutality is one plagued with controversy and outrage, an issue made more urgent by the growing trend of body cameras malfunctioning. It thereby necessitates a more rigorous inspection of the system and calls for increased scrutiny to guard against the miscarriage of justice. After all, justice delayed is justice denied.