In recent years, the use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) by police officers has become a common sight. As society grapples with the complexities of law enforcement and civilian interactions, BWCs have been touted as a crucial tool in increasing transparency, improving officer accountability, and building public trust. But while the advantages of BWCs are clear, their effects on police officer stress have been largely overlooked.

The integration of body cameras in modern policing

With the rise in civil unrest and calls for law enforcement reform, body cameras have emerged as a potential solution to bridge the trust gap between the public and the police. The Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance launched the Body-Worn Camera Program in 2014 to assist local law enforcement agencies in implementing BWC programs. Thousands of police departments across the United States have since integrated BWCs into their daily operations.

The impact of BWCs on police officer stress

While the introduction of BWCs has clear benefits, it's important to recognize the potential adverse effects on officer stress. Sudden changes in procedures can be difficult to adjust to, and the omnipresent nature of body cameras presents unique challenges for officers. These challenges can be grouped into three main categories: the practical experience of wearing a camera, the decision-making process while on duty, and the perceived scrutiny after an event.

The practical experience of wearing a camera

Body cameras can be cumbersome and uncomfortable for officers to wear throughout their shifts. Depending on the design, the camera may be attached to an officer＊s uniform, on their eyeglasses, or mounted on a helmet. Adapting to the presence of a BWC can be challenging, as it may affect an officer's ability to move comfortably, engage in physical altercations, or simply interact with community members.

In addition to the physical discomfort, the mere presence of a BWC can add to an officer's psychological stress. The constant awareness of being recorded can make officers feel as if they're under constant scrutiny. This self-consciousness can result in a negative impact on an officer's well-being and job satisfaction.

The decision-making process while on duty

Officers face split-second decision-making in high-pressure situations during their daily responsibilities. With BWCs, these decisions now have the potential to be dissected and criticized by supervisors, colleagues, and the public. This can lead to officers feeling anxious about using their discretion in certain situations, which may ultimately impact their performance.

Moreover, in an effort to ensure they're following the proper procedures, officers may become overly cautious and concerned about the potential for any recorded interaction to be misconstrued. This could potentially lead to hesitation in taking action, putting the officer and the public at risk.

The perceived scrutiny after an event

Following a critical incident, the BWC footage is analyzed, often by multiple people, to review the officer's actions. The prospect of having their decisions scrutinized in this manner can cause anxiety and stress. In some cases, this level of analysis has led to officers second-guessing themselves, decreasing their overall confidence in their decision-making abilities.

Outside of internal reviews, the potential release of footage to the public can create additional stress for officers, as they may be subjected to harsh judgment or even threats from the community members. Additionally, officers may feel that their privacy is being invaded, as events that were previously only discussed within the department are now publicly available for all to see.

Addressing the challenges

Acknowledging the potential stressors caused by BWCs is a crucial first step toward understanding the complexities surrounding their use. By identifying these challenges, departments and policymakers can work together to implement strategies that mitigate the negative effects of BWCs on officer stress.

Some possible solutions include:

Providing comprehensive training on BWC use, which includes educating officers about the potential stressors associated with wearing the cameras and providing stress management resources.

Fostering a supportive department culture that encourages open communication about the challenges officers face while wearing BWCs, and developing a policy that addresses the privacy concerns of officers.

Encouraging regular mental health check-ins with officers to identify and address stressors related to the use of BWCs.

Body-worn cameras have undoubtedly transformed modern policing and have the potential to improve police-civilian interactions. However, the impact on officer stress must not be overlooked. By addressing these challenges, departments can work toward not only increasing transparency and accountability, but also ensuring the well-being of the officers who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities.