Assessing the Evidence on the Impact and Consequences of Police Officer Body-Worn Cameras

• In Event: Research and Issues Regarding Body Worn Cameras

Abstract

Police officer body-worn cameras (BWCs) represent the latest technological innovation for law enforcement. The perceived benefits of BWCs are far-ranging and touch upon core elements of the police mission, including enhanced police legitimacy, reduced use of force, and fewer citizen complaints. Criticism of the technology centers on equally important issues such as violations of citizen and officer privacy, and enormous investments in terms of cost and resources. Unfortunately, there have been few balanced discussions of BWCs and even fewer empirical studies of the technology in the field. The current paper seeks to address this knowledge gap by providing a thorough review of the merits and drawbacks regarding the technology, and assessing the available empirical evidence on each of those claims. Overall, the author seeks to articulate the key questions surrounding the technology and provide a framework for informed decision-making regarding adoption and empirical evaluation of BWCs.

Author

• Michael D. White, Arizona State University