Reactions to the Video Vanguard: Individual Differences and Receptivity to Police Use of Visual Monitoring Technology

• In Event: Technology and Policing

Abstract

Over the last decade, technological improvements have revolutionized the capacity for police to gather visual information and conduct surveillance. Police departments across the United States are increasingly developing pilot programs to integrate new visual monitoring technology in the form of unmanned aerial vehicles (i.e., drones), and body worn cameras into daily operations. Despite the many benefits of using visual monitoring technologies in police operations, public attitudes toward this technology are mixed. Past research suggests that support for visual monitoring technology is highly contextual, and often varies by how the technology is used and who is using the technology (i.e., federal government, state or local police, private business, etc.). In addition, concerns regarding privacy and excessive surveillance reduce support for this technology. However, it remains largely unknown whether citizens’ support for aerial drones and body worn cameras is influenced by socio-demographic characteristics and/or criminal justice related attitudes. This paper presents results from a national survey examining the relationship between individual differences and support for visual monitoring technology. The potential implications of these findings for public policy, and law enforcement practices are discussed.

Authors

• Miliaikeala S.J. Heen, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

• Joel D. Lieberman, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

• Terance Miethe, University of Nevada, Las Vegas