Harnessing the Evidentiary Value of Body-Worn Cameras

Jonesboro, Arkansas, is a city of 75,000 in the northeastern corner of the state, approximately 70 miles from Memphis, Tennessee. Located within one of the fastest growing counties in Arkansas, Jonesboro is home to Arkansas State University and its 13,000 students. In 2018, Jonesboro PD received a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program (BWCPIP). According to Assistant Chief Lynn Waterworth, the decision to deploy BWCs came from Chief Rick Elliott’s concern over a breakdown in the relationship between the police department and the community, and [wanting] to re-establish that relationship. The Jonesboro PD also sought to enhance accountability and provide a greater degree of transparency to the community.

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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.

To read the full commentary, click here.

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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Grants.gov Deadline: July 12, 2021, 11:59 p.m. ET

Application JustGrants Deadline: July 26, 2021, 11:59 p.m. ET

This opportunity provides funding to law enforcement agencies seeking to purchase body-worn cameras (BWCs) to establish or expand comprehensive body-worn camera programs with a specific and demonstrated plan to implement this technology to maximize the benefits of BWCs.

Funding can be used to support pilot BWC programs, establish new BWC implementation, or expand existing programs.

Click here to view the solicitation.