Paper 1. Results from a Summative Evaluation of the Toronto Police Service Body-Worn Camera Program

• In Event: Strengthening Evidence-Based Policing Through Applied Research Partnerships Part II

Abstract

Empirical evidence supports the notion that body-worn cameras (BWCs) impact police behavior by providing a novel layer of guardianship. Evidence also suggests that the positive benefits of BWCs may dissipate over time. Further, proliferation of BWCs in Canada has been slow compared to that of the U.S., and as a result, there are very few outcome studies investigating the effects of BWCs in the Canadian context. As such Canadian-specific research leveraging lengthy pre- and post-test periods are needed to better understand the role of BWCs as guardians; and strong researcher-practitioner partnerships are necessary to carry out such work. Following the cultivation of partnerships between academic researchers, the TPS, and the Board that governs the TPS, we investigated the effectiveness of the TPS BWC program. Some outcomes measured over a 5-year study period include complaints against officers and use of force, and in this paper, we present the quasi-experimental study design and some results. Results can inform BWC deployments across North America and advance the evidence-based policing movement.

Authors

• Victoria A. Sytsma, Queen's University

• Eric L. Piza, Northeastern University

• Jared Henry, Queen's University at Kingston