Implementing Body-Worn Cameras with Specialized Police Units

• In Event: Studies of Body Worn Cameras in Policing

Abstract

Since 2014, police departments have moved swiftly to equip their patrol officers with body-worn cameras (BWCs) and significant federal resources have been dedicated towards this end. Unfortunately, there has been little direction in best practices for implementing the technology among specialized units (e.g., mounted, bicycle, gang, K9, traffic, and tactical). Using focus group and survey data from the Tempe (AZ) Police Department, this study identifies challenges in implementing BWCs in specialized units and offers strategies for addressing those challenges.

Authors

• Janne Gaub, Arizona State University

• Michael White, Arizona State University

• Natalie Todak, Arizona State University