Body-Worn Cameras in Polish Criminal Justice: Between Expectations and Reality

• In Event: POLWG Panel 1: The Role of Police Body-Worn Cameras in Contemporary Criminal Justice

Abstract

This presentation presents findings from the Body-Worn Cameras in Policing and Criminal Justice project (2022-2025). This mixed-methods study, conducted in Poland, combines court file analysis with statistical examination of police use-of-force incidents and citizen complaints, alongside qualitative insights from interviews with law enforcement officers, judges, and human rights advocates. We examine whether BWCs improve evidence reliability, influence policing practices, and meet public expectations regarding safety and accountability. Additionally, we discuss key challenges, including privacy concerns, the legal admissibility of recordings, and the practical limitations of these tools in crime prevention.

By juxtaposing policy goals with empirical evidence, we critically assess the effectiveness of BWCs in the Polish criminal justice system, highlighting both their potential and shortcomings. Our findings contribute to the ongoing debate on the role of technology in law enforcement, providing insight into whether current regulations and policies require reform to enhance the effectiveness and legitimacy of BWCs.

Author

• Paweł Waszkiewicz, University of Warsaw, Faculty of Law and Administration