Police Officer Perceptions of Body Worn Cameras

• In Event: Problematizing Policing: Comparing Citizen and Police Perceptions

Abstract

Utilizing survey and semi-structured interview data, this research examines police officer perceptions of body-worn cameras and their use in the field. Officer perceptions of the impact of body-worn cameras on issues related to citizen complaints, use of force, officer discretion, community relations, and work efficacy are examined. A number of hypothesis will be tested, including: Years spent in the field will decrease acceptance and positive perceptions of BWCs; Time spent wearing BWC increases acceptance and positive perceptions of BWCs generally; Feeling racial tension in the workplace and within the community increases acceptance and positive perceptions of BWCs; Race of police officer will influence acceptance and positive perceptions of BWCs; and believing that excessive use of force is a serious problem will increase acceptance and positive perceptions of BWCs.

Author

• Todd Powell-Williams, Augusta University