### The Dangers of Outsourcing Police Work to Cameras: A Closer Look

#### The Rise of Dashcams and the Culture of Snitching
I have refrained from using a dashcam, despite their potential to prove innocence in accidents. The rise of dashcams has inadvertently turned some of us into antagonistic snitches, eagerly catching others’ mistakes on the road and sharing them online. This behavior is not only encouraged by police services but also celebrated through YouTube montages.

#### The Impact of Traffic Police Cutbacks
The alarming cutbacks to UK police forces have significantly impacted traffic policing levels. With less than 4% of all police officers dedicated to traffic duties, the shortage of traffic officers has led to a surge in motoring offenses going undetected. The lack of dedicated roads policing officers has also resulted in no significant reduction in road fatalities related to offending factors.

#### The Need for More Traffic Police
Despite advancements in car safety technology and the proliferation of cameras to catch specific offenses, the overall risks on the road remain unchanged. To truly improve road safety, there is a pressing need for more traffic police officers. Senior officers have emphasized the importance of increasing traffic policing levels to address the ongoing road safety challenges effectively.

#### The Pitfalls of Trial by Camera
The reliance on cameras for law enforcement comes with its own set of challenges. Recent incidents, such as the wrongful arrest of a protester at a demonstration in London, highlight the risks associated with outsourcing prosecution of motoring offenses to cameras. As Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police commissioner, pointed out, the constant scrutiny from camera-wielding bystanders adds another layer of complexity to law enforcement.

In conclusion, while cameras can capture individual indiscretions on the road, they are not a substitute for dedicated traffic police officers. To truly enhance road safety and reduce motoring offenses, investing in more traffic policing resources is imperative. The outsourcing of police work to cameras may have unintended consequences that need to be carefully considered.