Thankfully, crime is not a serious issue in Ely.
For decades, Ely has been and remains a safe community to live, to work and to visit.
The data released every year by the Ely Police Department related to case reports and criminal activity and the instances of major, significant crimes are rare and noteworthy rather than a regular occurrence.
Even so, that’s not to say that the Ely Police Department will always steer clear of major issues and we welcome the move by police chief Chad Houde and the Ely City Council to move forward with the times - and take action that would allow Ely’s officers to be outfitted with body cameras.
Body cams? In Ely? One might think that’s equipment only needed in the big cities or only for those reality TV cop programs we watch for entertainment.
But all it takes is one terrible incident or one misunderstanding to destroy a career or a life, and body cameras will only serve as another layer of protection.
Houde said it best in his appeal to the council on Tuesday night, noting that even in Ely, there are times when a police call can be misconstrued, or an interaction shaded by misperception on either side - whether it’s the person interacting with the officer or the officer themselves.
Body cameras will shed independent light on each interaction, and can only serve to help should disputes or controversy arise.
On a state or national basis, just think of how many times cases may have turned out differently, and justice would be denied, were it not for the perspective of the body camera.
As Houde aptly noted, the time is right for Ely to get with the times and join so many other law enforcement agencies across the state and nation.
A public process is yet to play out, and matters of policy and cost remain to be determined.
But there’s no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to policy and the expense is minimal in perspective.
Those need to only be temporary barriers and no need to prevent what should be a safeguard for both the Ely Police Department and the general public. Let’s outfit our police with this needed equipment and technology.
