Practice reading opinion texts. Apply your persuasive and reasoning skills.
For example, read Jane Lai’s letter in support of the widespread use of police body cameras.
Sample Text: Police body cams provide some benefits by Jane Lai
There are moves underway in Australia to equip all frontline officers with body-worn cameras (BWCs).
Such cameras have the potential to reduce police violence and complaints about police misconduct. The first case study on the use of body cameras by police was released last month by researchers at Cambridge University’s Institute of Criminology. They analysed the Rialto Police Department in California.
The results from the Rialto study show that in 2012 “use-of-force by officers wearing cameras fell by 59 per cent and reports against officers dropped by 87 per cent against” in 2011.
The researchers say the knowledge that events are being recorded creates “self-awareness” in all participants. It also makes the police think before they act. The video footage is also useful in court cases and provides vital evidence of confrontations, especially where there are differences of opinions. Ms Jane Lai, 24 Feb 2020
Practice writing your own paragraph:
What is Ms Lai’s viewpoint?
Ms Lai recommends (supports, approves of) body cameras for all police people. She refers to the Rialto study to prove that the cameras reduce violence between the police and the public. They make the police aware of their actions. They know that they are being recorded/videoed and so they tend to show restraint.
Write your own point-of-view statement (topic sentence) based on Ms Lai’s views.
It is imperative that the government expand the use of body cameras by police because of their potential to reduce violence. Following recent successful trial programs, evidence substantiates the view that the cameras make the police more “self-aware”. They cameras can provide legal evidence which acts as a restraining device.
OR It should be compulsory for all police to wear body cameras as a means of reducing violence through self-awareness.
- Write your own outline based on these two texts. Please see samples.
- See How Can I Improve my Persuasive Essays?
- Return to : A list of persuasive essays