Research Webinar

This webinar is part 2 in a series that explores in greater depth the results discussed in a 2021 BWC Research Convening. That meeting brought together a dozen researchers to discuss the latest in topics, findings, and challenges in BWC research. These webinars center on a more intensive public presentation and discussion of the themes that emerged from that Research Convening. This webinar features Dr. Jessica Huff from the University of Nebraska, Omaha, Dr. Eric Piza of John Jay College, and Dr. Vaughn Crichlow from Florida Atlantic University.

This webinar explored the latest research on the effect of BWCs on organizational and individual outcomes. Dr. Mike White provided introductory remarks, and Dr. Charles Katz facilitated the session. Speakers, Dr. Jennifer Wood (Temple University), Dr. Joel Miller (Rutgers University), and Dr. John McCluskey (Rochester Institute for Technology), presented on their most recent body-worn camera research findings. Dr. Wood’s project, titled “Behaving better in front of the lens: Possibilities of change according to police and residents in Philadelphia”; Dr.

At this point in our experience with body-worn camera (BWC) implementation, agencies are realizing the potential of utilizing BWC footage beyond evidentiary purposes.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) launched the Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Policy and Implementation Program (PIP) in FY 2015 to assist law enforcement agencies in enhancing or implementing BWC programs. PIP’s primary goals are to improve public safety, reduce crime, and improve trust between police and the citizens they serve.

It is important to acknowledge that the implementation of body-worn cameras (BWCs) affects various operations and administration, as well as internal and external stakeholders, in significant ways. We are in a critical time in history where this technology can assist law enforcement agencies during protests and other First Amendment events.

Arizona State University (ASU), a BWC TTA project partner, conducted a survey asking BWC PIP sites about their experiences with the recent protests, the value that BWCs added, challenges and problems each agency experienced, and solutions their agency implemented to overcome those challenges and problems.

This webinar focused on the use of BWCs beyond the police patrol function. In addition to police patrol functions, BWCs are being implemented in a variety of contexts including in courtrooms, city services agencies, schools, and university settings. During this webinar, BWC TTA Partner, Arizona State University (ASU), reviewed the findings from their report on the use of body-worn cameras in environments outside of the law enforcement setting.

The BWC TTA Team hosted a webinar on body-worn camera community education and creating reasonable expectations. This webinar provided information about how and why it is important to educate the community on the limitations and benefits of Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs). It also discussed the many considerations that must be taken into account when releasing BWC footage, including privacy concerns, victims’ rights, and on-going investigation needs.

This webinar presented research findings on the impacts of body worn cameras from several selected studies. Early research studies demonstrated that BWCs could generate reductions in both citizen complaints and police use of force. Other studies have shown BWCs can enhance prosecution outcomes and that the technology is supported by both police officers and citizens.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) launched the Body-Worn Camera Policy Implementation Project (PIP) in FY 2015 to assist law enforcement agencies with the enhancement or implementation of Body-Worn Camera (BWC) initiatives. The primary goals of PIP are to improve public safety, reduce crime, and improve public trust between police and the citizens they serve. This webinar showcased the progress and lessons learned from three FY15 BWC PIP sites.