A smart and timely ban
Chief Joanne Hayes-White’s concern about « the privacy of victims and fire fighters » is very touching. In light of the less-than-stellar performance of the SFO’s fire department that she is responsible for, banning helmet-mounted cameras seems indeed a priority.
She also appears to be a savvy communicator: Suggesting, on the grounds of « privacy concerns », to get rid of a tool susceptible to provide NTSB investigators with crucial forensic evidence should be tremendously popular, provided that this wise decision is not misconstrued by ignorant « journos ».
Mrs Hayes-White should probably consider running for Chairman of the FAA, enabling her to get rid of those pesky CVRs and FDRs. And CCTV at or around airports. Oh, yes, and those ELT’s as well, nice suggestion Mr McNerney.
I am looking forward to reading the final NTSB report, which will certainly take a long and hard look at the performance of Mrs Hayes-White’s department. Her professional experience could come in handy during the “feathers and tar” episode.
Sarcasm aside, the fact that the images recorded by the Battalion Chief were made public is a genuine concern. A concern that can be easily addressed by a mix of guidelines and sanctions. Banning such devices, regularly used by law enforcement professionals worldwide, appears to be exactly what it is: a desire to get rid of a modern and useful forensic tool, that can occasionally bring to light shortcomings, all thinly disguised under the veil of respect for privacy. In short, pure hypocrisy.
A.