2015 was a notable year. Not only for its technological advancements in law enforcement but also for the heightened international attention drawn to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. This pivotal year marked the bridging of technology and accountability through the implementation of body cameras on police officers, a direct response to the BLM＊s call for transparency and police reform.

In the American policing system, body-worn cameras became increasingly common, partially propelled by the demands for accountability and justice from organizations like the BLM. These relatively unobtrusive devices offered a new lens through which law enforcement actions could be evaluated, effectively bringing surveillance to the streets.

But what led to this significant shift in law enforcement practices in 2015 and what was the BLM＊s role in it?

The Emergence of Body Cameras

Before 2015, the use of body-worn cameras in law enforcement was sporadic and experimental. However, the dramatic increase in their adoption by police departments nationwide in 2015 can be traced back to several high-profile incidents involving police officers and African-American citizens, incidents which shocked the conscience of many and propelled the BLM movement into the spotlight.

These events spurred discussions about the lack of accountability and transparency in the police force. The BLM movement, founded after the acquittal of Trayvon Martin's killer in 2013 and reinforced by subsequent incidents, began pushing for systemic changes. Central to their demands was increased police accountability.

Body Cameras and Accountability

The body-worn cameras offered a new and potential solution. Under the watchful eye of these devices, officers' actions could be recorded, reviewed, and scrutinized. The idea was that accountability would be enforced and police impunity curbed.

It was an attractive proposition. The US Department of Justice, recognizing the potential of the cameras for improving relations between the police and the communities they serve, launched a $20 million Body-Worn Camera Pilot Partnership Program in May 2015.

Impact on the BLM Movement

The implementation of body cameras did not go unnoticed by the BLM movement. Nor did it completely quell their demands. The move was recognized as a step in the right direction, albeit not the panacea for all the problems within the system.

The effectiveness of body-worn cameras is tied to policy and practice. Without stringent policies on when and how to use the cameras, who can view the footage, and the consequences of policy breaches, they risk becoming another tool for surveillance and manipulation. The BLM movement continues to stress the importance of these accompanying regulations.

Moving Forward

There is no rewind button to the past. The events of 2015 served as a catalyst for change. The integration of technology like body-worn cameras in police departments marked a significant step towards accountability. However, as the BLM movement argues, it's not just about strapping cameras onto officer's uniforms〞it's about the bigger picture.

The conversation around body cameras, catalyzed by the BLM movement, has evolved and remains an ongoing dialogue. Body cameras have acted as a mirror to society, reflecting realities that many prefer to ignore or downplay. They've removed the veil of ignorance, providing an often harsh light on the worrying realities of our time.

While body cameras are part of the solution, the path towards effective police reform trodden by the BLM movement and its allies is long and winding. It is evident that the issue extends beyond technology〞it's also a matter of policy, attitudes, training, and readiness to embrace transparency and change.

The footprint of 2015 remains indelible in the journey towards police reform. The demand for body cameras in the BLM movement is a testament to 2015 being not just a year of high-tech adoption in law enforcement but also a year of introspection, dialogue, and the beginning of a much-needed change.