EFFECTIVENESS OF BODY-WORN CAMERA IN THE CONDUCT OF POLICE OPERATIONS: AN ASSESSMENT
Type
Thesis
Authors
Category
PSOSEC
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Publication Year
2023
Abstract
This research paper aims to assess the effectiveness of body-worn cameras (BWCs) in police operations in the Philippines. The study examined the impact of BWCs on police conduct, public trust and accountability. The research utilized a mixed-method approach to gather both qualitative and quantitative data from police officers of Mabalacat City Police Stations. The study involves the distributions of questionnaires through google link, focus group discussion to a group of police officers to assess the effectiveness of BWCs during the conduct of police operations. The data collected were analyzed to determine the impact of BWCs on police operations and their effectiveness in improving public trust and accountability.
Police body-worn cameras (BWCs) have been widely promoted as a technological mechanism to improve policing and the perceived legitimacy of police and legal institutions, yet evidence of their effectiveness is limited.
The existing program evaluation evidence on the intended and unintended consequences of outfitting police officers with BWCs is still developing, however.
Officers equipped with body-worn cameras generated fewer complaints and use of force reports relative to officers without cameras.
Thus, this study aims to find out the level of effectiveness of body-worn cameras in police operation. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods the researchers involved 5 PCOs and 20 PNCOs selecting them at random from the police officers who have been in police operations with and without BWCs.
The results revealed that both groups of participants are aware on the effectiveness in the use of BWCs in police operations along three (3) themes, namely on technical specifications, on operationalization, and on evidentiary value. Statistically comparing the participants’ responses using t-test did not yield significant difference.
Thus, further research is needed to determine whether the increase in enforcement activity were driven by enhanced officer confidence that the video evidence would be used to hold offenders accountable for their transgressions, officers’ concerns that supervisors who view videos of the interactions would hold them accountable for their discretionary actions, or both.
Police body-worn cameras (BWCs) have been widely promoted as a technological mechanism to improve policing and the perceived legitimacy of police and legal institutions, yet evidence of their effectiveness is limited.
The existing program evaluation evidence on the intended and unintended consequences of outfitting police officers with BWCs is still developing, however.
Officers equipped with body-worn cameras generated fewer complaints and use of force reports relative to officers without cameras.
Thus, this study aims to find out the level of effectiveness of body-worn cameras in police operation. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods the researchers involved 5 PCOs and 20 PNCOs selecting them at random from the police officers who have been in police operations with and without BWCs.
The results revealed that both groups of participants are aware on the effectiveness in the use of BWCs in police operations along three (3) themes, namely on technical specifications, on operationalization, and on evidentiary value. Statistically comparing the participants’ responses using t-test did not yield significant difference.
Thus, further research is needed to determine whether the increase in enforcement activity were driven by enhanced officer confidence that the video evidence would be used to hold offenders accountable for their transgressions, officers’ concerns that supervisors who view videos of the interactions would hold them accountable for their discretionary actions, or both.
Number of Copies
1
