Examining the Moderating Effect of Law Enforcement Agency Type on Body-Worn Camera Assignment

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Body-worn cameras (BWC) have increased in popularity among law enforcement agencies within the last decade (Lawshe, 2022). Because little is known about BWC, a supplemental survey was developed to accompany the Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Studies (LEMAS). In 2016, the LEMAS Body-Worn Camera survey (BWCS) was sent to eligible agencies to examine several areas concerning BWC. Using the data obtained from the LEMAS-BWCS, this study assessed the moderation effect of agency type between body-worn camera assignment, agency size, U.S. region, and primary reason for adopting BWC. A moderating analysis was performed by splitting the data by agency type and conducting a binary logistic regression for BWC deployed in warrant executions, criminal investigations, and drug enforcement. Although agency type was found not to have a moderating effect, law enforcement administrators should consider how adopting such a program will enhance their agency and how BWC will be used to protect their officers and the community they serve.

Author

• Jenna Sorensen, Indiana University of Pennsylvania