The use and implementation of body worn cameras in policing

In the past several years, law enforcement use and implementation of body worn cameras (BWC) has been gaining increased popularity as a result of the highly publicized incidents involving police use of deadly force. Police departments are equipping their officers with BWCs in the hopes that they will increase police transparency and accountability. Using a qualitative research methodology design, this research study reviewed and analyzed previous studies, research, and literature that has been conducted regarding this issue and compared the results with reports, policies, and procedures obtained from BWC pilot studies and full programs in the Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Toronto Police Service, and the New York Police Department. Upon reviewing the literature, five common themes were identified: privacy and cost implications, pilot project studies, the reduction of use of force and citizen complaints, officer and public perceptions, and resolving false complaint issues. This information was then compared with the information obtained from the other reports. The research uncovered multiple benefits and challenges of BWC programs. Lastly, several recommendations were offered to assist police departments as they consider their potential BWC program adoption and develop BWC policies and practices.