Community Perception Of Police BWCs

The Impact of Views on Fairness, Fear, Performance, and Privacy 

Source

SAGE Journals, 2017

Authors

Matthew S. Crow, Jamie A. Snyder, Vaughn J. Crichlow, John Ortiz Smykla

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. 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.

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