Research on Body Worn Cameras: Design and Implementation

• In Event: Research and Issues Regarding Body Worn Cameras

Abstract

The body worn camera (BWC) is a recent technological innovation to enter American policing. As departments consider supplying officers with BWCs, research has focused on the technology’s impact on police interactions with citizens, officer misconduct, officer use of force, and false allegations against police. Studying the implementation of BWCs presents a number of challenges to both researchers and police, however, particularly when large police organizations are involved. This paper considers the various political, structural, and financial challenges of evaluating the implementation of BWCs in a large police agency.

Author

• William Sousa, University of Nevada, Las Vegas