Introduction

As our society continues to advance technologically, so do the tools that our law enforcement professionals use in their daily work. One such innovation is the implementation of body worn cameras (BWCs) by police officers. These devices have the potential to improve officer accountability, increase transparency in policing, and protect both citizens and officers from false allegations. But what evidence supports these claims, and are body worn cameras truly as effective as many suggest? In this blog post, we will explore the various studies and reports on this topic, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the available evidence.

The Pros and Cons of Body Worn Cameras

Before we delve into the evidence, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of implementing body worn cameras in policing.

Pros:

1. Enhanced Accountability: BWCs can provide objective evidence of officer's interactions with the public, thereby promoting transparency and potentially reducing instances of misconduct.

2. Improved Public Trust: The presence of BWCs can encourage both officers and citizens to behave more responsibly, knowing that their actions are being recorded.

3. Evidence Collection: Body worn cameras can be useful tools for gathering evidence during criminal investigations, enhancing the ability to prosecute cases and reinforcing the evidentiary value of police officers＊ testimonies.

Cons:

1. Privacy Concerns: The use of BWCs raises concerns regarding the privacy rights of citizens who are recorded without their consent.

2. Cost: The implementation and maintenance of BWC programs can be expensive, especially for smaller police departments with limited funding.

3. Impact on Officer Morale: Some police officers may perceive the use of BWCs as an intrusive measure or a lack of trust in their work. This could lead to reduced morale and job satisfaction.

Assessing the Evidence

Having weighed the pros and cons, let us examine the available evidence on the real-world impact of body worn cameras in policing.

Rialto Study

One of the most widely cited studies on the effectiveness of BWCs was conducted in Rialto, California from 2012 to 2013. The study found a significant reduction in the use of force by officers wearing BWCs, as well as a reduction in citizen complaints against police (Farrar & Ariel, 2013). While these results suggest a possible positive impact of BWCs, some have criticized the study for its small sample size, limited duration, and potential issues with the random assignment of cameras to officers.

Phoenix Study

Another notable study took place in Phoenix, Arizona between 2013 and 2014. This research found that officers who wore BWCs experienced fewer complaints from citizens and were less likely to be involved in use-of-force incidents when compared to officers without cameras (Hedberg et al., 2017). However, this study also faced criticism due to potential selection bias, as officers who volunteered to wear BWCs may have been more conscious of their actions and less likely to engage in misconduct.

Additional Research and Meta-Analyses

There have been numerous additional studies and meta-analyses conducted on the subject of body worn cameras, with mixed findings. Some of these studies found a reduction in use of force and complaints (Ariel et al., 2015; Grossmith et al., 2015), while others showed no significant effects or even slight increases in these areas (White et al., 2018; Yokum et al., 2017). This inconsistency may be due to differences in the methodology, context, and sample size of each study.

Moreover, recent research has focused on the potential benefits of BWCs for evidence collection and their impact on the judicial process. A study conducted in South Carolina revealed that the presence of BWCs led to faster case resolution and more guilty pleas, suggesting that these devices may improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system (Ready & Young, 2015).

Issues with Existing Evidence

Given the inconsistent and sometimes contradictory results of existing research, it is challenging to make definitive conclusions about the impact of body worn cameras on policing. This struggle may stem from several factors, including methodological limitations, context-specific factors, differences in police department policies and training, and potential biases in the research process. Additionally, the constantly evolving nature of technology and policing practices means that our understanding of BWCs must continue to grow and adapt with the times.

Future Directions

In order to provide a clearer picture of the true impact of BWCs, further research is needed. This research must address the limitations of previous studies and explore the use of body worn cameras from multiple angles, taking into account the diverse contexts in which they are implemented. Moreover, as technology continues to improve, it is crucial to develop best practices and policies for the deployment and use of BWCs, striking a balance between the benefits of these devices and the concerns that they raise. Only through comprehensive and rigorous research can we truly understand the potential of body worn cameras to improve policing and public safety.

References

Ariel, B., Farrar, W., & Sutherland, A. (2015). The effect of police body-worn cameras on use of force and citizens＊ complaints against the police: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 31, 509-535.

Farrar, W. & Ariel, B. (2013). Self-awareness to being watched and socially-desirable behavior: A field experiment on the effect of body-worn cameras on police use-of-force. The Rialto Police Department.

Grossmith, L., Owens, C., Finn, W., Mann, D., Davies, T., & Baika, L. (2015). Police, camera, evidence: London＊s cluster randomized controlled trial of body worn video. London: College of Policing and the Mayor＊s Office for Policing and Crime.

Hedberg, E., Katz, C., & Choate, D. (2017). Body-worn cameras and citizen interactions with police officers: Estimating plausible effects given varying compliance levels. Justice Quarterly, 34, 627-651.

Ready, J., & Young, J. (2015). The impact of on-officer video cameras on police–citizen contacts: Findings from a controlled experiment in Mesa, AZ. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 11, 445-458.

White, M., Todak, N., & Gaub, J. (2018). Examining body-worn camera integration and acceptance among police officers, citizens, and external stakeholders. Criminology

Yokum, D., Ravishankar, A., & Coppock, A. (2017). A randomized control trial evaluating the effects of police body-worn cameras. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 114, 11857-11862.