I think the initial sense of disapproval comes from the connotation we usually associate with cameras: things that watch us in order to regulate our behavior.
But in this case, it is the cops who are being watched. As you note, "any interaction that occurs off camera" will be suspicious...aficionados of irony can recognize how this turns the cop-favorite-notion of "if you're doing nothing wrong, what do you have to hide?"
And the digital/systematic nature of the cameras' operation makes it even more pervasive to the officer. It's not just what you saw, but...why were you looking there, of all places? Why is your camera off during a time that you're supposed to have it on?
One thing I would've liked to see in the OP is to know the change in absolute number of officer initiated stops. If you know you have this extra layer of scrutiny to deal with, you may decide to not harass someone who is just barely breaking the law.
But in this case, it is the cops who are being watched. As you note, "any interaction that occurs off camera" will be suspicious...aficionados of irony can recognize how this turns the cop-favorite-notion of "if you're doing nothing wrong, what do you have to hide?"
And the digital/systematic nature of the cameras' operation makes it even more pervasive to the officer. It's not just what you saw, but...why were you looking there, of all places? Why is your camera off during a time that you're supposed to have it on?
One thing I would've liked to see in the OP is to know the change in absolute number of officer initiated stops. If you know you have this extra layer of scrutiny to deal with, you may decide to not harass someone who is just barely breaking the law.