Body-worn Camera Use and Nonuse in Law Enforcement Agencies across the U.S.

• In Event: Examining Public Perception, Body-worn Cameras, and Data Processing in Law Enforcement Agencies through Large National Data Collections

Abstract

In an effort to increase transparency, there has been a push for law enforcement agencies to adopt body-worn cameras (BWCs). However, little is known about how wide-spread BWC adoption has been nationally. This presentation highlights findings from the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ 2016 Body Worn Camera Supplement, a nationally representative sample of approximately 4,000 local, county and state law enforcement agencies. The findings demonstrate the extent to which BWCs have been acquired and implemented in law enforcement agencies in the United States. The reasons for acquiring cameras, policies and procedures surrounding camera use and resulting video files, and any obstacles to camera acquisition and use are discussed. The presentation also highlights the use of alternative recording equipment and obstacles for agencies that do not have BWCs.

Authors

• Azucena Derecho, RTI International

• Shelley Hyland, Bureau of Justice Statistics

• Travis Taniguchi, RTI International