Police Officers’ Acceptance of Body Worn Cameras and Use of Discretion

• In Event: Intervention & Prevention Approaches to Minimize Police Violence

Abstract

Critics argue that the presence of body worn cameras (BWCs) could result in police officers believing that the use of this technology will restrict their use of discretion. Using surveys completed by sworn officers working in a medium-size, Midwestern police agency, this study examines the relationship between officers’ acceptance of BWC technology and their perceptions of how this technology will influence their use of discretion. This study utilizes survey data collected both before and after officers used BWCs. Findings indicate that officers’ acceptance of BWCs increased after using this technology. Officers were also more likely to report that the use of BWCs would not restrict their use of discretion after utilizing this technology for one year.

Authors

• Carol Archbold, North Dakota State University

• Connie M. Koski, North Dakota State University

• Tyriece Griffin, North Dakota State University

• Lauren Rahier, North Dakota State University