Community Perceptions of Police Body-Worn Cameras

Abstract

Despite relatively little extant research, efforts to expand the use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) in policing are increasing. Although recent research suggests positive impacts of BWCs on reducing police use-of-force and citizen complaints, little is known about community members’ perceptions of BWCs. The current study examined perceptions of residents of two Florida counties and found a large majority of respondents supported the use of BWCs. Structural equation modeling was utilized to examine factors that influence views of BWCs. Findings indicate that positive perceptions of police performance and more police interaction were associated with greater perceived benefits of BWCs, whereas concerns about the privacy reduced perceived BWC benefits. Respondents’ views of procedural fairness and crime concern were indirectly related to perceptions BWC benefits. Non-White and younger respondents were indirectly less likely to perceive benefits. Implications of these findings and future directions for research are discussed.

The RIDE study: Effects of body‐worn cameras on public perceptions of police interactions

“…Most of these studies (conducted prior to local police adoption of the technology) offer general public opinions of BWCs and largely speculative commentary regarding the effects of BWCs on public perceptions of police. Specifically, the studies primarily consist of general public perception surveys/interviews (Crow et al, 2017;Edmonton Police Service, 2015;Ellis et al, 2015;Grossmith et al, 2015;James & Southern, 2007;Kerrison, Cobbina, & Bender, 2018;Northeastern University, 2018;ODS Consulting, 2011;Pew Research Center, 2017;Plumlee, 2018 White, 2018;TPS, 2016;YouGov, 2015). These studies demonstrate that the general public tends to support police use of BWCs.…”

“…These studies demonstrate that the general public tends to support police use of BWCs. Explanations for this support typically highlight public perceptions that BWCs will enhance the quality of specific police-public interactions (e.g., in terms of police accountability (TPS, 2016), police misconduct (Northeastern University, 2018), safety (James & Southern, 2007;ODS Consulting, 2011), or officer behavior (Crow et al, 2017). However, these general public perceptions do not necessarily reflect the attitudes and experiences of persons who have had a recent police contact.…”

“…Police-involved deaths in the United States and Canada, among other countries, have been a key catalyst to international discussions focused on public perceptions of police legitimacy (Crow, Snyder, Crichlow, & Smykla, 2017;Jennings, Fridell, & Lynch, 2014;White, Todak, & Gaub, 2017). Police legitimacy is a complex theoretical concept that "is multi-dimensional in character, comprising judgments about actual or perceived police procedural justice, distributive justice, legality, and effectiveness" (Tankebe, 2014, p. 239), and it relies on the belief that an authority is entitled to be obeyed (Sunshine & Tyler, 2003).…”

Police Body-Worn Camera Perceptions Pre/post Deployment

“…Worse, White et al (2018) found that officers became less convinced the BWCs influenced citizen behavior the longer they used them. Despite this, nearly 80% of surveyed residents in Florida believed their resident's behavior would improve (Crow et al, 2017).…”

“…Additionally, nearly 90% of residents believed the officer's behavior would improve (Crow et al, 2017). Police officers also believed they would act more professionally towards citizens with the introductions of BWCs.…”