Blog Post:

The widespread use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) by law enforcement agencies has seen significant growth in recent years. These devices, often clipped to an officer's uniform, serve to record interactions between police and the public. The implementation of BWCs has been primarily driven by the need for increased transparency, accountability, and trust between law enforcement agencies and the general public. These tiny devices have the power to capture crucial evidence and provide insights into the behavior, tactics, and demeanor of both officers and civilians during an encounter. In this context, the Penn State community acknowledges the importance of understanding the statistics and implications of BWCs, as Penn State Police have deployed body-worn cameras since 2017.

Benefits of Body-Worn Cameras

Elevated Accountability

One of the core reasons behind the adoption of BWCs by law enforcement is the potential for increased accountability for all parties involved. The presence of video footage makes it difficult for either side to dispute the events that transpired during a particular incident. Furthermore, it may lead to a change in behavior as both civilians and officers know they are being recorded, contributing to more respectful interactions.

Enhanced Transparency

By providing a tangible account of law enforcement actions, BWCs help promote transparency within the community. This can lead to a stronger relationship between the police and the public by improving trust and understanding between both parties.

Improved Training & Performance

Body-worn camera footage is not only useful for examining past incidents but is also a valuable training tool for police agencies. Through the analysis of recorded encounters, officers have the opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve their techniques, ultimately resulting in better performance in the field.

Challenges & Concerns

Despite the benefits, BWC programs are not free from challenges and concerns. Some of these issues include:

Privacy

Privacy concerns are one of the most significant reservations people have about BWCs. The recording of encounters raises questions about who can access the footage, and how it can be used, especially in situations involving vulnerable individuals or those who wish to remain anonymous.

Costs & Infrastructure

Implementing a robust BWC program can be costly and resource-intensive for law enforcement agencies. In addition to the purchase of the cameras themselves, there are ongoing costs associated with data storage, management, reviewing and redacting footage, and officer training.

Policy Development & Implementation

Introducing BWCs requires comprehensive policy development to address issues such as when and where cameras should be activated, the consent of the recorded parties, and the release of captured footage to the public.

BWCs at Penn State - An Overview

At Penn State, the campus police have adopted body-worn cameras as a vital component of their efforts toward transparency and improved community relations. According to the university's official BWC policy, all sworn police officers are required to use these devices when responding to calls for service, during traffic stops, or when conducting investigations. Furthermore, the policy mandates that any recorded footage be retained for a minimum of 60 days, with exceptions made for incidents requiring a longer storage duration.

Analyzing BWC Statistics

By delving into the available body-worn camera statistics, we can gain valuable insights into the impact of these devices on police-civilian interactions. In a recent study conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 47% of the general-purpose state and local law enforcement agencies in the United States used BWCs in 2016, compared to only 32% in 2013. In addition, according to a 2018 George Mason University report, a year-long study on BWC usage among Arizona State University and City of Tempe officers revealed that use-of-force incidents dropped by 23%, and complaints against officers decreased by 33% following the implementation of BWCs.

Recognizing the potential benefits of BWC usage, Penn State's campus police and law enforcement agencies across the nation continually seek to enhance their understanding of these devices in order to promote informed decision-making regarding their implementation.

Beyond the Lens: Campus Safety & Engagement

The adoption of body-worn cameras at Penn State is not an isolated initiative. Rather, it is part of a broader strategy aimed at fostering a safe and inclusive campus environment.

It is crucial for law enforcement agencies to engage with all community members, including students, faculty, and staff, by regularly soliciting feedback and creating channels for open communication. This can be achieved through town halls, online forums, and collaboration with student organizations.

Furthermore, Penn State's campus police should explore partnership opportunities with academic institutions and external research organizations to collect and analyze BWC statistics, evaluate program effectiveness, and identify any areas for improvement.

Finally, it is important to remember that the adoption of body-worn cameras is not a standalone solution. Rather, these devices represent one component of a larger framework aimed at promoting safety, accountability, and transparency in the Penn State community and beyond.