Posted on February 2, 2022

In recent years, the adoption of body-worn cameras (BWCs) by law enforcement agencies has been the center of attention. Many discussions have taken place to underline the potential benefits and drawbacks of these devices in different situations. To contribute to this ongoing conversation, let's explore the key findings of Blanchette and Becker's 2018 study on the impact of BWCs on police use of force and police accountability.

Body-Worn Cameras: A Brief Overview

Body-worn cameras are small, compact devices usually attached to an officer's uniform. They provide a video and audio recording of police-citizen interactions, with the primary purpose of enhancing transparency, accountability, and trust between law enforcement officers and the public.

Some of the benefits of BWCs include:

Providing an objective account of events to simplify the resolution of complaints and litigation

Encouraging both officers and citizens to behave more appropriately during interactions

Serving as a valuable tool for officer training and organizational improvement

Despite these advantages, several concerns have emerged, such as:

Privacy issues for both officers and citizens

Challenges in implementing data storage and retrieval

The potential for selective use and manipulation of video footage

Blanchette and Becker 2018: Key Findings

Blanchette and Becker's study systematically reviewed the existing body of literature regarding the impact of BWCs on police use of force and police accountability. Their analysis found that:

1. BWCs can reduce police use of force in specific, controlled situations. However, the impact varies depending on the context and method of implementation.

2. BWCs can promote accountability, as officers wearing the cameras are more aware of being monitored and thus more likely to adhere to department policies and protocols.

3. The presence of BWCs can increase the likelihood that complaints against officers will be resolved in favor of the officer.

Delving Into the Data

Various factors contribute to the effectiveness of BWCs. By examining the factors at play, we gain a better understanding of how to maximize the benefits of these devices while minimizing the drawbacks.

1. Implementation strategies: Departments that gradually introduced body-worn cameras and actively trained officers on their use saw a more significant reduction in use of force incidents. Conversely, those that implemented BWCs without proper training saw little to no impact on use of force rates.

2. Officer discretion: When officers were given the discretion to turn BWCs on or off, there was a higher likelihood of the devices being used selectively. Ensuring the BWCs are turned on or off according to department policies can provide a more accurate and complete picture of police-citizen interactions.

3. Police culture and command climate: The overall attitude towards BWCs within a department influences how officers perceive and use the technology. Encouraging a culture that actively values accountability and transparency can improve officer compliance with BWC policies and enhance their potential benefits.

Challenges and Future Directions

While the use of BWCs shows promise in improving police accountability and reducing use of force, several challenges remain:

1. Data storage and accessibility: With thousands of hours of video footage generated, it's crucial to develop efficient methods for storing, accessing, and reviewing the data. This requires robust investment in technology infrastructure and training for personnel.

2. Privacy concerns: BWCs capture sensitive information, raising privacy concerns for both officers and citizens. Establishing clear policies for when cameras should be turned off and how the data is used is essential to mitigate these concerns.

3. Integrating technology with practice: Research on real-world BWC usage is still in its early stages, and law enforcement agencies must stay up to date with best practices, technologies, and policies to ensure that BWCs are effectively integrated into police work.

As body-worn cameras continue to proliferate across law enforcement agencies, the Blanchette and Becker study serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the impact of BWCs on policing. By carefully considering the findings and addressing the challenges, we can pave the way towards improved transparency, accountability, and trust between police officers and the communities they serve.