Evaluating the effectiveness of Police Body Worn Cameras

• In Event: Research and Issues Regarding Body Worn Cameras

Abstract

The Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded funding to the Phoenix Police Department to purchase and deploy 50 on-person video cameras that record the interactions between community and officers. The video recordings can be used by the police to document statements, observations, behaviors and other evidence; and can simultaneously be used to prevent and deter unprofessional, illegal, and inappropriate behaviors by both the police and the public. Accordingly, this technology can be used to resolve disputes and build trust with the community by preserving a record of critical events. The present study relied on a quasi-experimental design, using pre- and post-test data from a target and comparison area. We present our findings on the impact of the technology on 1) domestic violence, 2) public and police accountability (e.g. misconduct, unprofessional behavior, resisting arrest, etc.), and 3) perceptions of legitimacy, trust, and satisfaction with police.

Authors

• Charles Katz, Arizona State University

• Michael Kurtenbach, Phoenix Police Department