The Civilizing Effect of Police Body-Worn Cameras

• In Event: The Use of Police Body Worn Cameras

Abstract

The recent rise in the use of police body-worn cameras (BWCs) reflects a growing interest among law enforcement agencies and community members in the quality of police-citizen interactions. One of the most notable benefits associated with this technology is the potential for reducing the number of citizen complaints and use of force incidents. Although several early studies provide evidence of a so-called civilizing effect, the results of more recent studies have been mixed. The current study explores this question using data from an experimental trial assessing the effects of a BWC pilot program in a medium size department: Fairfax County, Virginia.

Authors

• Richard Bennett, American University

• Brad Bartholomew, American University