Testing the Impact of Police Body-Worn Cameras on Officer Use of Force and Citizen Complaints

• In Event: One Year Later: Evaluating the Impact of Body-Worn Cameras in Four Jurisdictions

Abstract

Body-worn cameras (BWCs) are perhaps the most debated topic in policing today. Advocates have made numerous claims about the positive impact of the technology, most notably that BWCs can reduce officer use of force and citizen complaints against police. The current study explores the effects of BWC implementation on those key outcomes in the Spokane, WA and Tempe, AZ Police Departments. The studies involve a two-phase randomized controlled trial lasting one year. During phase 1 (months 1-6), patrol officers in each department were randomly assigned to BWC (Treatment) and non-BWC (Control) conditions. During phase 2 (months 7-12), the Control officers were also assigned to wear BWCs. Authors examine trends in use of force and citizen complaints between and within groups over a period of nearly six years. Authors will discuss the implications of the findings for the ongoing national dialogue regarding body-worn cameras and their potential to serve as an effective accountability tool.

Authors

• Michael White, Arizona State University

• Janne Gaub, Arizona State University

• Natalie Todak, Arizona State University