Using Body-Worn Camera to Assess Stops in New York City

• In Event: Issues and Factors in Police Decision-Making

Abstract

The use of body-worn cameras by police introduces a novel way to assess the constitutionality of stops and racial disparities in police practices. Body-worn camera footage provides a record of events that does not rely on police reports. This study assessed the constitutionality of stops conducted by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) using both body-worn camera and administrative data. In 2021, Judge Analisa Torres ordered—upon recommendation of the Monitor overseeing the department—that CUNY ISLG conduct a study of the NYPD’s stop practices, which permitted access the NYPD’s body-worn camera system and administrative data. Body-worn camera footage of each selected encounter was systematically reviewed to document key features of a stop and then to assess the constitutionality of the stop. Legal review was conducted by a team recently retired New York State judges. The study identifies key contexts that are associated with higher levels of unconstitutional stops and also demonstrates the utility of body-worn camera in evaluating police conduct.

Authors

• Kathleen Doherty, CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance

• Annie Chen, CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance