I first advanced the idea on this blog, and I have now elaborated on it.
Perhaps the best approach to this issue would be an experimental one. Agree on criteria for measuring the quality of decision-making processes. Randomly assign some government agencies and some local governments to two different groups, one that wears cameras and one that does not. Then observe how policies evolve among the two groups over a period of five years or so, using the criteria for assessment. I am sure that neither group’s policy process will be perfect. However, I think that there is good chance that the transparent group will earn a better grade.
Note that, once again, my views turn out to be those of someone from the Bipartisan Policy Center, with a minus sign.
It’s worth a try, but I’m skeptical.
As an Illinoisan, we know our politicians are crooks and even sometimes throw them in jail. Yet the impact on voting seems to be minimal. Perhaps the extra transparency would change a larger group of minds.
Police cameras are somewhat different, I think. It’s easier for most people to understand (and show in a 1 min. TV report) abuse by cops than being ripped off by assumptions and covenants of a parking meter deal.