criminal justice policy

BODY-WORN CAMERA POLICY 2

Body-Worn Camera Policy

27 May 2017

Running Head: BODY-WORN CAMERA POLICY 1

BODY-WORN CAMERA POLICY 4

In a 5 page paper (1250–1750 words), you will give a brief overview of the policy you chose: Body-Worn Camera Policy Its date of implementation, if known. What is its nature? Who is bound by this policy? Why is there a need for this policy? In your opinion, is this policy necessary? Should it be changed or even eliminated? Based on the five theoretical models given by Freiberg and Carson, upon which do you think this policy implementation decision was based? Why?

Introduction

This policy is intended to provide officers with instructions on when and how to use body-worn cameras (BWCs) so that officers may reliably record their contacts with the public in accordance with the law. It is the policy of some police departments that officers shall activate the BWC when such use is appropriate to the proper performance of his or her official duties, where the recordings are consistent with this policy and law. This policy does not govern the use of surreptitious recording devices used in undercover operations ("Police Body-Worn Camera Policies | Brennan Center for Justice", 2016).

Over the past decade, advances in the technologies used by law enforcement agencies have been accelerating at an extremely rapid pace. Many police executives are making decisions about whether to acquire technologies that did not exist when they began their careers: technologies like automated license plate readers, gunshot detection systems, facial recognition software, predictive analytics systems, communications systems that bring data to officers’ laptops or handheld devices, GPS applications, and social media to investigate crimes

and communicate with the public. ("Body -Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program", 2016)

For many police executives, the biggest challenge is not deciding whether to adopt one particular technology but rather finding the right mix of technologies for a given jurisdiction based on its crime problems, funding levels, and other factors. Finding the best mix of technologies, however, must begin with a thorough understanding of each type of technology. Police leaders who have deployed body-worn cameras say there are many benefits associated with the devices. They note that body-worn cameras are useful for documenting evidence; officer training; preventing and resolving complaints brought by members of the public; and strengthening police transparency, performance, and accountability. In addition, given that police now operate in a world in which anyone with a cell phone camera can record video footage of a police encounter, body-worn cameras help police departments ensure events are also captured from an officer’s perspective (Lippert & Newell, 2016).

References

Body -Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program. (2016). Retrieved from https://www.bja.gov/funding/BWCPIP16.pdf

Lippert, R. K., & Newell, B. C. (2016). Introduction: The Privacy and Surveillance Implications of Police Body Cameras. Surveillance & Society, 14(1), 113-116.

Police Body-Worn Camera Policies | Brennan Center for Justice. (2016). Retrieved from https://www.brennancenter.org/body-cam-city-map