Running Head: POLICY ISSUE AND SOLUTION Christmas1
Policy Issue and Solution:
Increasing the Implementation of Body Cameras
Ta’kera Christmas
CJUS 601: Criminal Justice Program Evaluation
Liberty University
INCREASING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BODY CAMERAS Christmas 2
Abstract
Throughout the United States today there is an influx of police use of force incidents.
They tend to result in death and more violence in the pursuit of justice. Since the increasing
number of killings and incidents of police misconduct, criminal justice officials sought out
different solutions. Criminal Justice officials believe that BWCs will increase accountability and
decrease misconduct. The paper seeks to discuss the importance of increasing the
implementation of body-worn cameras, provide a history or problems, solutions for efficiency,
while incorporating a Christian perspective.
INCREASING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BODY CAMERAS Christmas 3
Problem
Throughout the United States today there is an influx of police use of force incidents.
They tend to result in death and more violence in the pursuit of justice. These incidents spark
outrage within communities, and often lead to intense protests. Communities are lost and afraid
and many even become more in tune with racial injustices. Due to incidents of misconduct
communities have banded together across the US to form support groups. There are groups like
“Blue lives Matter” that are in support of law enforcement personnel, and groups like “Black
Lives Matter” who are in support of their victims. These movements were created to
combat/support issues of police misconduct. Since the second major incident in the shooting of
Michael Brown; which led to the acquittal of officer Darren Wilson; many citizens have decided
to help in any way possible. Citizens begin to take out their cellular phones to record any
incident with police officers. Jackson states that, “events in recent months-including deaths of
citizens as a result of police use of force and targeted killings of police officers in the line of
duty- have focused national attention on the relationship between the police and the public they
serve” (Jackson, 2015, pg. 1). Citizens nationwide are able to view incidents of police brutality
through their social media forums. Social media is the home of police encounter videos and
brings awareness to these issues as well as increases the fear of these encounters. Facebook has
been the most popular resource for all incidents, movements, petitions, and protests. Since the
implementation of the live feature on popular social media site Facebook, there have been many
incidents recorded. The murder of Philando Castile at the hands of officer Jeronimo Yanez; took
place on Facebook live. Although the officer was found not guilty, the live video along with
video from a dash cam provided evidence for charges to be placed. The officer may have been
found guilty had there been more evidence present.
INCREASING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BODY CAMERAS Christmas 4
The citizens who have been the most commonly affected by these incidents have been of
the minority community. Many minorities now speak out about how they live in fear of being
killed at the hands of police officers. They also question if they will be discriminated against
because of how they look, or if an incident will occur due to mistaken identity. Minorities
question if one routine traffic stop could result in their fatal demise. This poses a problem within
the communities’ officers have sworn to protect and serve along with the departments. Society
begins to lose faith in the criminal justice system as well as their local police departments. Police
community relations decrease, while negative press surrounds the police department.
Since the increasing number of killings and incidents of police misconduct, criminal
justice officials sought out different solutions. Koslicki states that, [law enforcement agencies
originally responded to this increased scrutiny by improving policies regarding officer
recruitment, selection, training, and evaluation; however, as media images of police misconduct
multiplied and the police institution faced societal pressures for further action, these basic
accountability methods began to be prioritized less as emerging accountability technology…
became popular] (Koslicki, 2019). The popular form of technology was the implementation of
body-worn cameras (BWCs) while police officers are on duty. Criminal Justice officials believe
that (BWCs) will increase accountability and decrease misconduct. As helpful as BWCs are or
can be, they are only as effective as those that wear them and use them accurately. There have
been incidents where officers equipped with BWCs, did not ensure that their encounters were
recorded from start to finish. Also, there are incidents where the BWC was not turned on at all.
Today many law enforcement agencies have either pulled away from using BWCs, or they never
committed to BWC usage. Therefore, the problem of BWC usage would be, limitations on
effectiveness due to inaccurate usage or a lack of nationwide usage. This paper seeks to discuss
INCREASING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BODY CAMERAS Christmas 5
the importance of increasing the implementation of body-worn cameras, provide a history of
problems, solutions for efficiency, while incorporating a Christian perspective.
Significance
The significant aspect of the above problems presents many issues: 1) racial conflict due
to unarmed killings of minorities by white law enforcement officers. 2) Wrongful use of deadly
force. 3) There are differences in treatment in black suspects and non-black suspects i.e. Black
suspects are less likely to be safely apprehended. 4) There are not enough policies that increase
the repercussions for inaccurate usage of BWCs. 5) There should be nationwide usage of BWCs.
Each issue prevalent in its own way and should be handled accordingly.
Racial conflict due to unarmed killings of minorities by white law enforcement officers is
a direct result of discriminative encounters, and racial profiling. Minorities are targeted and
subject to deadly levels of force. Morrow and Shjarback state that, “a plethora of research
suggests that police officers often view Black and Hispanic individuals as being more suspicious
and/or a greater threat than their White counterparts. For example, research has well established
that Black and Hispanic individuals are disproportionately stopped by police” (Morrow and
Shjarback, 2019). To add, Morrow and Shjarback state that, “the disparate treatment of certain
races and ethnicities may have the unintended effect of dissolving police-community relations
and eroding public perceptions of police legitimacy” (Morrow and Shjarback, 2019). When
encounters are already fueled with negativity the end result will more than likely be negative.
White states that, “cameras will provide a contemporaneous, objective record of stop and frisks
allowing for the review of officer conduct that may either confirm or refute the belief of some
minorities that they have been stopped simply as a result of their race” (White, 2014). To add,
INCREASING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BODY CAMERAS Christmas 6
“the technology could increase officer compliance with the Fourth (4th) Amendment provisions
governing search and seizure” (White, 2014).
One negative result of police encounters that are fueled with negativity is the wrongful
use of deadly force. Many encounters result in the suspected party being defensive or acting out
of fear. This is due to police brutality encounters being embedded in a fear-stricken community.
An example of an incident where there was a wrongful use of deadly force would be the case of
Botham Shem Jean. Officer Amber Guyger shot and killed an unarmed Botham after mistakenly
entering his apartment thinking that it was her own. She was sentenced to 10 years for this
incident. Martinez, Mervosh, and Eligon recall that, “the shooting ignited protests and calls for
justice in Dallas, a city with a history of racial tensions with the police. Activists concerned about
preferential treatment complained that Ms. Guyger was not immediately arrested at the scene,
and was initially charged with manslaughter” (Martinez, Mervosh, and Eligon, 2019). This
incident of wrongful use of deadly force became very controversial and continues to ignite the
flame of doubt within the criminal justice system.
Controversial cases like the Botham Jean case provides an example of racial disparity in
sentencing. Just like racial disparities can be seen in sentencing they can also be seen in
apprehension. There are many instances like in the case of Botham Jean where unarmed black
men were killed, and cases where non-blacks were armed but safely apprehended and taken in.
An example of a non-black suspect being safely apprehended can be seen in the case of Dylan
Roof. Dylan Roof a white male and known white supremacist; committed the murder of nine
African Americans while they were in the middle of their bible study church service. Ortiz and
Bruton state that, “he was arrested about 245 miles north in Shelby, North Carolina, during a
traffic stop…. South Carolina authorities went to North Carolina to bring Roof, who waived
INCREASING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BODY CAMERAS Christmas 7
extradition in his initial court appearance, back to Charleston to face charges” (Ortiz and Bruton,
2015). These further shapes the way society views law enforcement regarding the minority
community. The community began to question how Dylann Roof who was on the run for murder,
could be apprehended safely when so many others would have been killed. This cause tension
and much controversy. O’Leary recalls “the common response among the members and
administrators…. has been to throw Roof under the bus. He is characterized as an isolated,
mentally ill, drug-addled loner whose actions cannot in any way be blamed on the broader white
nationalist movement” (O’Leary, 2015). The apprehension and treatment of Dylan Roof while in
police custody, was strange and contributed to the decreasing community police relations.
BWC’s were implemented to debunk a lot of controversy surrounding encounters with
law enforcement. Also, as a way to hold officers accountable for any actions they may or may
not do that violates the policies put in place by their agencies. There is an increase in positive
behavior and transparency within the department. White states that, “transparency can
demonstrate to the community that officers aim to act in a fair and just manner when interacting
with citizens, which can increase perceptions of police legitimacy” (White, 2014).
The implementation of this equipment is not an end all fix all, but it has decreased the
number of complaints in those departments that have implemented usage and that use the
equipment properly. Furthermore, “proper implementation of this new policing tool requires
careful consideration of current policy proposals, rather than the rapid, reactionary adoptions
currently taking place nationwide” (Harvard Law Review, 2015). Some may try to argue that it
takes away from the officers completing a task properly out of fear they may be doing things
wrong. They may also feel that the officer on duty should have a certain amount of privacy. For
those who make these statements, it makes the public question their integrity. So, some agencies
INCREASING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BODY CAMERAS Christmas 8
do not require full shift coverage with the BWCs. Also, some agencies do not have many
repercussions for those who do not accurately use their BWC’s. Millard states, “cameras may
bring real offenses to light, clarify ambiguous situations, debunk false charges, or exonerate the
falsely accused, civilians and police alike” (Millard, 2015). To add, “it’s a tiny, tiny minority of
all of society’s interactions that are adversarial, situations of power or inappropriate use of force
are exactly the ones that we want to record” (Millard, 2015). How can officers be cleared or
brought to justice if they inaccurately use their BWCs?
Implementation of BWCs has proven to be a successful addition. Although statistics are
proven to be positive many agencies have not joined the movement 100%, or some have even
discontinued usage. Privacy, issues of effectiveness in law enforcement officers completing
tasks, and controversy among other things causes this skepticism. “Body cameras are a
powerful--and indiscriminate--technology. Their proliferation over the next decade will
inevitably change the nature of policing in unexpected ways, quite possibly to the detriment of
the citizens the cameras are intended to protect” (Harvard Law Review, 2015).
Implementation of (BWCs) has varied across criminal justice agencies/departments, but
there is always research, reviews, and discussion on whether other agencies/departments should
implement these devices. One agency in particular would be the U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (CBP). The CBP researched and reviewed the effectiveness of body worn cameras
based on randomized controlled trials (RCT) within two departments (Lawler, 2018). The CBP
found changes in one and none in the other after implementation of BWCs (Lawler, 2018). They
decided to look past the (RCTs) and begin looking to a broader perspective (Lawler, 2018). It
was concluded that, “research has revealed that the primary concern for agencies is the
substantial recurring financial commitment required by body-worn cameras; for an agency the
INCREASING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BODY CAMERAS Christmas 9
size of CBP, the commitment is immense” (Lawler, 2018). The CBP would have to take into
consideration many issues of their financial capabilities before incorporating BWC equipment.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) and the Metropolitan Police
Department of the District of Columbia (MPDC) are among other agencies that sought to
research, review, and discuss implementation of (BWCs). It was concluded that the
implementation of BWCs has increased police community relations. Lawler states, “when
departments release body-worn camera footage in a timely fashion and in conjunction with a
formalized public information release program, the technology has shown promise in increasing
transparency” (Lawler, 2018). Communities tend to have better relationships with law
enforcement when important information is open and reported accurately. Now that the problem
of police use of force has been identified, and the significance of implementation of BWCs has
been discussed; solutions may be analyzed in an effort to increase usage and further decrease the
percentage of use of force complaints.
Solution
When seeking solutions to issues of police misconduct, some departments have acted in
implementing body cameras. Those who have yet to find solutions to their issues with police
misconduct can take one of three stances. Those stances would be “do nothing”, “incremental
approach”, and the full implementation approach. Each stance has its own sustains and
drawbacks, but only one may be the best option for that agency/department. Below each stance
will be discussed in its impact to the departments, external stakeholders, and to the budget.
Impact to Department or Agencies
INCREASING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BODY CAMERAS Christmas 10
Departments who opt to do nothing, run the risk of failing their departments and the
communities they serve. Police community relations continues to suffer, and the faith in the
effectiveness of the department decreases. Once society loses trust in an entity it takes much
work to regain that trust. In some instances, trust could easily be lost forever. By doing nothing
the department runs the risk of facing many lawsuits, and large public criticism. The final risk
this department would face would be a total shutdown of its operation.
Departments who take on an incremental approach, are implementing a “what works”
method. They are able to test out different aspects of the methods before completely taking it on.
This approach enables departments to There is a smaller commitment needed, and it allows
research to be conducted. White states that, “body worn cameras have evidentiary benefits that
expedite resolution of citizen complaints or lawsuits and that improve evidence for arrest and
prosecution. Findings suggest that body worn cameras may reduce the likelihood that citizens
will file untruthful complaints” (White, 2014). If there is an increase in police use of force
complaints, then departments will be able to discontinue usage. If there is a decrease in
complaints, then departments will be able to further implement usage.
Departments who consider full implementation would be facing many risks if the device
does not produce positive results. The department will be committing to something that may or
may not work in their favor. If they commit and things are positive, then they will be able to
shape policies surrounding the implementation of these devices to further increase effectiveness.
If the results are negative, then the department will have wasted resources.
Impact on Community Police Relations
INCREASING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BODY CAMERAS Christmas 11
When departments take the “do nothing approach”, they run the risk of decreasing
community- police relations. White states that, “the relationship between police departments and
the communities they serve and protect has been the focus of study in criminology and related
fields for decades” (White, 2014). BWCs have the ability to shape many things regarding
communities as well as law enforcement officers. “Recent experience of videos of officers has
shown the power of such images to damage public view of the police- but also how positive
images can strengthen them” (White, 2014). Behavior from communities and officers alike can
be shifted, increases arrest factors and efficiency of evidence, decreases percentage of lawsuits,
provides better cooperation and willingness to be a witness, and safety of officers and
communities can remain intact. By doing nothing the community loses faith in their department,
and they begin to act in a hostile way during encounters. There would in turn be an increase in
arrests and maybe more use of fore incidents. Doing nothing increases violence and non-
compliance. Jackson states that, “experiences as a country have shown that we are far from
implementing them universally and, for many communities, trust between police and the public
is severely damaged or non-existent” (Jackson, 2015). Although there are departments that have
opted to implement BWCs there are many who have still chosen not to. This further affects
community police relations, and it is decreases uniformity worldwide.
The incremental approach and the full implementation approach have similar effects on
communities. With both, the community would be allowed to see how the implementation of
BWCs as a solution to use of force incidents is affected. It will also allow communities to have a
hands-on approach with their departments. The departments will become transparent and provide
mush needed information on incidents or things involving their community. It provides a voice to
the voiceless so to speak. Liebman states that, “any law that mandates or otherwise purports to
INCREASING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BODY CAMERAS Christmas 12
regulate the use of body cameras must draw clear lines between what must be made public, what
must be kept confidential or even be destroyed, and what may be released at the discretion of the
police” (Liebman, 2015). Policies will be shaped to cater to the implementation of BWC’s and
how to properly operate them when officers are on duty.
Impact on Budget
Budget may be one of the largest concerns of any organization. Implementing new
technology, equipment, and policies can all eventually cost tons of money. The “do nothing
approach” may save departments/agencies millions because they are not spending money on
devices, training, and storage of video surveillance. However, the “do nothing approach” makes
the department a liability and runs the risk of increasing complaints and lawsuits. The “do
nothing approach” further complicates the views of society. Departments or agencies will portray
an image of negligence regards the safety of those they swore to protect and serve.
The “incremental approach” as well as the “full implementation approach”, both would
demand financial support, and also some type of financial loss. The “incremental approach”
provides the what works aspect so it allows the department/agency to test a few pieces at a time.
The full implementation approach would be large sum of money being drawn all at once with the
risk of failure and a hefty loss if the method proves to be negative. White suggests that “results
strongly suggest that adopting body-worn camera technology requires a substantial commitment
by the law enforcement agency, a commitment that far exceeds the initial outlay of funds to
purchase the cameras” (White, 2014). To add, “costs for cameras can range from $800-$1000 per
camera for each officer, not including possible replacement batteries and cameras” (White,
2014). Other funds would also have to be allocated distributed regarding BWCs. The funds
would go into, producing vendor contracts, storage services or devices if storing in-house, and
INCREASING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BODY CAMERAS Christmas 13
equipment training. Most BWC policies would demand that all shifts for all officers wearing
equipment be recorded and stored. White states that, “video is useful for police, citizens, and
prosecutors. Additional research should continue to explore this benefit and quantify the impact
in a more formal cost-benefit analysis that assesses both financial and resource savings as well as
costs” (White, 2014).
Christian Perspective
Controversial topics like police use of force can place a ton of strain on members in
society. It brings about so many different emotions and can be the catalyst for a number of
things. Civilians and officers alike should remember to take a Christian perspective in all things.
Every encounter should result in a positive outcome. The bible states, “For he is God’s servant
for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is
the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer” (Romans 13:4
ESV). When things happen media places a stigma on all law enforcement officers. In this case,
“one bad apple spoils the bunch”. Civilians place a negative connotation on all officers after one
commits a heinous act. So much so, that they begin to fear any encounter from police officers.
This breeds hostility, violence, tension, nervousness, and anxiety on both sides of the spectrum.
Officers begin to fear encounters more and more due to the rise in retaliations, and this
diminishes unity across the world. Both civilians and officers, forget the promises of God. God
appoints those over the land to ensure justice will be serve, and for this reason officers should
ensure that they are to the best of their ability. Many encounters go sour for the wrong reasons.
Some officers may have hidden agendas, and single out individuals based on their own racist
ideals. The bible states, “And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort
them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” (Acts 2:40 ESV). Those officers
INCREASING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BODY CAMERAS Christmas 14
that choose to be crooked instead of honing their guiding principles are outside of the will of
God. God is impartial. He loves everyone alike the saint and the sinner are all God’s children.
The implementation of BWCs was a step in the right direction. Departments and agencies
believe that there is a problem, and they began searching for solutions. BWCs can adequately
change the behavior of both officers and civilians. “Civilians who know they are being filmed,
as some police officials believe ‘the visible presence of a camera can compel highly agitated
people to calm down more quickly.’ Studies conducted in other locales have also found that body
cameras reduce officers' use of force in the field” (Harvard Law Review, 2015). The behavior
should not change due to the presence of a recording device. People should aim to do the right
thing at all times. The bible tells us, “Remember it is sin to know what you ought to do and then
not do it” (James 4:17 NLT). To add, the bible also states, “and whatever you do or say do it as a
representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17
NLT). God word is true and everlasting. By reading and seeking his word many people will
change the lens in which they view many things. It is time for racism as well as the war between
communities and police to end. Miller states that “above all, the Church must not be silent…we
cannot condone abuse and we cannot condone lawlessness…We need to find a way to… offer a
way of escape from the tyranny of sin by pointing people to Jesus Christ And that includes the
police” (Miller, 2015).
Conclusion
Uniformity should be the end goal worldwide. This will not be fulfilled until every
department or agency introduces solutions to the issues of nationwide police misconduct. In
conclusion, this paper discussed the importance of increasing the implementation of body-worn
INCREASING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BODY CAMERAS Christmas 15
cameras, provided a history of problems, and solutions for efficiency, while incorporating a
Christian perspective.
References
Harvard Law Review. (2015). Considering police body cameras. Harvard Law Review, 128(6),
1794. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/ps/i.do?
p=LT&u=vic_liberty&id=GALE|
A412800618&v=2.1&it=r&sid=summon&userGroup=vic_liberty&authCount=1
Horowitz, J., Corasaniti, N., & Southall, A. (2015). Nine Killed in Shooting at Black Church in
Charleston. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/18/us/church-attacked-in-
charleston-south-carolina.html?searchResultPosition=1.
Jackson, B. A. (2015). Strengthening trust between police and the public in an era of increasing
transparency. Retrieved from
http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/testimonies/CT400/CT440/RAND_CT440.p
df
Koslicki, W. M. (2019). Accountability or Efficiency? Body-Worn Cameras as Replicative
Technology. Criminal Justice Review, 44(3), 356–368.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0734016819856079
Lawler, R. (2018). Everyone is doing it: The effectiveness of body-worn cameras beyond
randomized controlled trials. Homeland Security Affairs, Retrieved from
http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-
com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/2204833377?accountid=12085
Liebman, B. (2015). The watchman blinded: does the North Carolina public records law frustrate
the purpose of police body cameras? North Carolina Law Review, 94(1), 344. Retrieved
from http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/ps/i.do?
p=LT&u=vic_liberty&id=GALE|
A440057331&v=2.1&it=r&sid=summon&userGroup=vic_liberty&authCount=1
Martinez, M. T., Mervosh, S., & Eligon, J. (2019). Amber Guyger Is Sentenced to 10 Years for
Murder of Botham Jean. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/02/us/amber-guyger-
sentencing.html.
Morrow, W., Shjarback, J. (2019). Police worldviews, unconscious bias, and their potential to
contribute to racial and ethnic disparities in New York Police Department (NYPD) stops
for reason of “furtive movement”, Journal of Ethnicity in Criminal Justice, 17:3, 269-
298, DOI: 10.1080/15377938.2019.1636920
INCREASING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BODY CAMERAS Christmas 16
Millard, W. B. (2015). Body cameras in the emergency department: Proposal decried from
several corners. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 66(4), A17-22. doi:
http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1016/j.annemergmed.2015.07.005
Miller, R. L. (2015). The truth about the police. Retrieved from
https://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com/2015/05/01/the-truth-about-the-police/
Ortiz, E., & Bruton, F. B. (2015). Charleston Church Shooting: Suspect Dylann Roof Captured in
North Carolina. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/charleston-church-
shooting/charleston-church-shooting-suspect-dylann-roof-captured-north-carolina-
n377546.
O’Leary, M. (2015). The looping script of hate sites. Information Today, 32(8), 16. Retrieved
from http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/ps/i.do?
p=AONE&u=vic_liberty&id=GALE|
A430393193&v=2.1&it=r&sid=summon&userGroup=vic_liberty&authCount=1
White, M. D. (2014). Police Officer Body Warn Cameras: Assessing the evidence. Retrieved
from https://www.ojpdiagnosticcenter.org/sites/default/files/spotlight/download/Police
%20Officer%20Body-Worn%20Cameras.pdf
