Evaluation Issues and Challenges Regarding Body Worn Cameras

• In Event: Evaluating Body-Worn Cameras and Smart Policing

Abstract

As police agencies across the nation rush toward implementation of body worn cameras, there is a need for evaluation research that will inform operational and organizational developments within police agencies. Implementing body worn cameras in police agencies will likely produce impacts throughout the agencies, as well as in prosecution, defense, and the judiciary. Drawing from experiences with body worn camera implementation in the Bureau of Justice Assistance Smart Policing Initiative and Pilot Body Worn Camera Implementation Program, this presentation will address important issues and developments in both process and evaluation research regarding body worn camera implementation, with suggestions for how evaluation researchers might approach the study of body worn camera implementation and impacts.

Author

• James Coldren, CNA