The Impact of Body-Worn Cameras in a Jail on Response to Resistance and Resident Injuries

• In Event: Technology in Institutional and Community Corrections: Innovative Approaches from National Institute of Justice-Funded Projects

Abstract

Through funding from the NIJ, the CNA Corporation (CNA) completed the first ever randomized controlled trial (RCT) of body-worn cameras (BWCs) in a correctional setting. CNA partnered with the Loudoun County, Virginia, Adult Detention Center to conduct a 12-month clustered RCT and mixed-methods assessment of the agency’s BWC program. They analyzed a variety of data, including surveys, interviews, and a focus group with jail leaders and other stakeholders; observations of jail operations and BWC trainings; administrative data; and video footage from stationary cameras and BWCs. BWCs were found to significantly reduced response-to-resistance events between jail deputies and residents as well as injuries to residents. However, analyses of survey data yielded some concerns about the impact of BWCs on deputy-resident relations. Footage from BWCs and stationary cameras can be complementary for in-custody investigations. We offer recommendations for policies and future research.

Project supported by NIJ Award #2018-75-CX-0019

Authors

• Brittany Cunningham, CNA Corporation

• Daniel S. Lawrence, CNA Corporation

• Bryce Peterson, Center for Justice Research and Innovation, CNA

• James Coldren, CNA Corporation

• Michael White, CNA Corporation

• Jennifer Lafferty, CNA Corporation

• Keri Richardson, CNA Corporation