Law enforcement agencies and community leaders recognize that body-worn cameras (BWCs) and in-car video systems can promote transparency, officer safety, agency development and reform, efficiency, and officer accountability. When considering acquiring BWCs or in-car video systems, or integrating the systems together, agencies must consider the unique capabilities of each. In this article, we briefly describe BWCs and in-car video systems, and then we discuss aspects of implementing BWCs, in-car video systems, or both. We cover consideration and principles that law enforcement agencies should consider based on practice and research. This discussion is not exhaustive, but it provides an accessible resource for law enforcement agencies and their stakeholders to start or further discussions on the implementation or enhancement of either system.

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On this episode of LE Tech Talks, BWC TTA Outreach Coordinator and Analyst Jessica Dockstader sat down with BWC TTA Senior Advisor Tom Woodmansee, and CNA Senior Research Scientist Tom Christoff. Ms. Dockstader, Mr. Woodmansee, and Dr. Christoff discussed the use of body-worn cameras in after-action reviews.

Mr. Woodmansee and Dr. Christoff discussed the types of information made available through by analyzing BWC footage; the importance of a clear and comprehensive BWC policy; challenges and difficulties receiving or reviewing the footage; and key takeaways for agencies to consider when utilizing BWC to help prepare, manage, and evaluate their responses to civil unrest and protests.

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In this directory of outcomes, there are 30 entries divided into three categories: general population studies (n=15), studies of citizens who interacted with police (n=9), and studies of other stakeholders (prosecutors, judges, etc.; n=6). Quin Patterson and Drs. Janne Gaub, Michael D. White, and Aili Malm capture perceptions across different topics including general attitudes, evidentiary value, citizen impacts, and officer impacts.

Specific outcomes were not examined in every study. Studies used a mix of methods including in-person, online, and phone surveys, as well as in-person interviews and focus groups. Key themes are presented from each category of studies, including general population, citizens encountering police, and perceptions of other stakeholders.

This webinar focuses on the innovative work of two agencies to incorporate body-worn camera (BWC) footage into different officer trainings. Dr. Mike White of Arizona State University facilitated this panel, which included Captain Kevin Lutz of the Camden County (NJ) PD, and Commander Dane Sorensen of the Tempe (AZ) PD. All of the spoke on how BWC footage can be used for training and evaluation purposes, providing videos that they have shown to their agencies and what these videos have been used to teach officers.

Click here to view the webinar.