Hidden Video Surveillance Cameras Spur NFL Action on Domestic Violence

If you have ever doubted the power of hidden video surveillance cameras, look no further than NFL Baltimore Ravens’ firing of Ray Rice on September 8, 2014. After Mr. Rice pleaded not guilty to assault charges May 2014, Rice was allowed to enter a pretrial intervention program to avoid prosecution. Shortly after that, a security camera video recording of NFLer Ray Rice dragging his then fiancée emerged. Initially, the NFL announced a two-game suspension for acts of domestic violence as depicted in a video recording of Mr. Rice dragging his then fiancée.

This seemingly light punishment caused a firestorm of public debate about NFL’s inability to deter acts of domestic violence by its players. Just when it seemed that NFLer Rice would get way with domestic violence, NFL took drastic measures to suspend him indefinitely after a recently released hidden video surveillance camera recording of Ray Rice’s punching his then fiancée surfaced.

In the aftermath of a public outrage over perceived leniency in the NFL’s handling of Rice’s acts of violence, the NFL took steps to suspend Rice indefinitely, but the NFL Baltimore Ravens went further and terminated Rice’s contract on August 8, 2014.

Complimentary of TMZ which released the video recordings showing Rice dragging and striking his then fiancée, the NFL meted out severe punishment to Mr. Rice. Without evidence of footage from hidden video surveillance cameras, NFL could possibly have gone on pretending that nothing serious happened to warrant a stiffer punishment.

Surveillance Video Security Camera Systems Are the “New Sheriff in Town”

Increasingly, surveillance video security camera systems are becoming the “new sheriff in town” in policing against domestic violence and other bad behavior by public officials or public figures. Not too long ago, there was a surveillance video security camera recording of three celebrities involved in an elevator scuffle. Thanks to hidden video surveillance cameras, it now seems that society is vigilantly and effectively taking a stand against police brutality or police use of excessive force, acts of domestic violence by athletes, and other bad behavior by public officials or public figures.

Indeed, even Congress that is often maligned as “do-nothing” is spurred by the footage from hidden video surveillance camera to take action against the NFL. Because of the NFL lobbying of Congressional leaders, it remains unclear what action Congress can take to cause NFL to change its attitude and failure in dealing with NFL players’ on-field and off-the field sportsmanship conduct. Notwithstanding, it is refreshing to learn that Congressional involvement to pressure NFL is looming on the horizon. According toCNN, Sen. Richard Blumenthal said he won’t rule out “Congressional involvement” to pressure NFL to alter its deep-seated fundamental far-reaching problem involving domestic violence.

We have seen in the past how evidence of hidden video surveillance cameras with audio caused the downfall of a presidential candidate (Remember United States President candidate Romeny’s 47% comment. We have seen how law enforcement agencies have started embracing body cameras, and clamoring to equipment their police officers with body worn cameras and surveillance cameras mounted in their police vehicles to promote accountability and transparency. Hidden cameras are fast becoming a way of life to stamp out bad behavior by public officials as well as public figures such as athletes.

 Learn more about hidden video surveillance cameras at: IP Security Camera System Homepage.