Lots of Americans are talking about whether police sometimes are too aggressive during arrests or other street contacts. A series of African American deaths since August, and grand jury decisions not to charge white officers in Ferguson, Mo., and the New York City borough of Staten Island, provoke traffic-blocking demonstrations and other marches from coast to coast. In an effort to address concerns, President Obama last week announced $75 million over three years for law enforcement agencies that buy body-worn cameras. The money, when matched by state and local police, could provide 50,000 video cameras clipped to eyeglasses or uniform lapels.

Advocates believe the equipment will help curb aggressive behavior from all sides. "There might be a difference in the way that police officers confront these kinds of situations if they know they're being filmed," says Josh Earnest, the president's press secretary. Cameras also reduce misconduct complaints against police, studies show. "They have exonerated a bunch of complaints on us," says police Lt. Tom Daniels of Sunbury, Ohio. "It stopped the lawsuits and a lot of the crap."

Ferguson police began using body cameras in September. Two private companies donated 50 cameras three weeks after 19-year-old Michael Brown's shooting death during an arrest attempt in that St. Louis suburb. Some departments are hesitate, however, and national police groups don't yet endorse body cameras. Some worry about the costs of maintaining new electronics and archiving the digital data. There also are concerns about whether crime victims or witnesses may be less willing to talk to an officer who tapes their faces and words.

White House says: "Evidence shows that body-worn cameras help strengthen accountability and transparency, and that officers and civilians both act in a more positive manner when they're aware that a camera is present." – Online statement, Dec. 1

Police chief says: "If it's out in the public, you're allowed to videotape us. In return we should have that same availability to protect our rights." – Chris Chew of Evesham Township, N.J.

Editorial says: "Body-mounted cameras may be able to deter unlawful acts by police and by members of the public interacting with the police. Knowing that your actions could one day be played before a judge and jury tends to concentrate the mind." – Toronto Globe & Mail