In 2018, law enforcement agencies from around the country came together for the Body Worn Camera (BWC) Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) National Meeting. This event focused on the impact, challenges, and best practices of implementing body worn cameras within police departments. The meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including law enforcement officers, policymakers, and researchers. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational sessions, panel discussions, and networking events, all aimed at accelerating the adoption of body worn cameras and improving the quality of policing.

Opening Remarks

The event kicked off with opening remarks from event organizers, who emphasized the importance of body worn cameras in modern policing. They highlighted the many benefits of BWCs, such as increased transparency, enhanced officer safety, and reduced use-of-force incidents. In addition, the organizers encouraged attendees to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge and expertise available at the event, and to actively participate in discussions and sessions.

Keynote Address

The keynote address by a prominent law enforcement leader emphasized the critical role of body worn cameras in fostering trust and accountability between the police and the communities they serve. The speaker shared insights on their agency's experiences with deploying BWCs and the lessons they have learned along the way. They stressed the importance of creating clear and comprehensive policies, investing in the necessary infrastructure and equipment, and ensuring proper training for all personnel.

Educational Sessions

Over the course of the two-day event, attendees had the opportunity to choose from a diverse array of educational sessions. These included presentations on topics such as:

Implementing BWCs in small and rural agencies

Overcoming legal and policy challenges related to BWCs

Evaluating the impact of BWCs on officer behavior and use-of-force incidents

Best practices for storing, managing, and retrieving BWC data

Developing policies that balance privacy concerns with transparency and accountability

These sessions were led by subject matter experts with real-world experience in implementing and managing body worn camera programs within their respective agencies. Attendees came away with practical advice and actionable strategies to enhance their own BWC initiatives.

Panel Discussions

One of the unique aspects of the BWC TTA National Meeting was the inclusion of panel discussions featuring law enforcement officers and other stakeholders who have firsthand experience deploying and using body worn cameras. These panels provided attendees with a valuable opportunity to hear diverse perspectives on the issues surrounding BWCs, as well as to learn from the successes and challenges faced by others.

Some of the highlights from these panels include:

A discussion on the importance of community engagement in the development and implementation of BWC policies

A session exploring the unique challenges faced by agencies when deploying BWCs in rural or remote areas

A panel examining the ethical considerations and implications of body worn camera usage

Networking Opportunities

In addition to the formal sessions and panels, the BWC TTA National Meeting offered ample opportunities for attendees to connect and network with their peers from other agencies and jurisdictions. These connections allowed for the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative ideas, helping to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among those working to advance the adoption of body worn cameras nationwide.

Looking Ahead

By the end of the 2018 Body Worn Camera Training and Technical Assistance National Meeting, attendees left with new knowledge, insights, and strategies to enhance the effectiveness of their BWC programs. As the promise of body worn cameras continues to become a reality for law enforcement agencies across the country, events like this are essential in shaping the future of policing and ensuring that this technology is used responsibly and effectively to benefit both officers and the communities they serve.

As body worn cameras continue to evolve and advance, we can look forward to even more engaging and informative events in the coming years. With the commitment of both law enforcement professionals and the broader community, the future of policing will be characterized by increased transparency, accountability, and trust.