Advantages of police body-worn cameras

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see the world through the eyes of a police officer? Police body-worn cameras are becoming a valuable tool for law enforcement agencies. Closed circuit television security footage has been around for quite some time, but we have only recently utilized this technology in the form of body-worn cameras. They provide a testament that would otherwise be non-existent and have become more popular among police agencies. They have proven to hold evidentiary value, increase public trust by holding police accountable, and provide helpful training to organizations.

Body-worn cameras hold evidentiary value and provide the best evidence that cannot be disputed. Most importantly, they can be used to capture and document evidence at a crime scene because they offer a real-time, permanent record of events that occurred during an incident (White, 2014). These cameras enable officers to accurately record the initial response and can be used to assist investigators that arrive after the fact in a more calm environment. Police Chief Parker of Dalton, Georgia states, “Body-worn cameras capture everything that happens as officers’ travel around the scene and interview multiple people. These body-worn cameras have been incredibly useful in accurately preserving information” (Police Executive Research Forum,  2014, p.9).

Police body-worn cameras aid in valuable evidence presented during Court proceedings. According to, Major Gauvin, a Canadian Military Prosecutor, “Presenting video evidence will likely result in a guilty plea as it is difficult to dispute” (2019).  There is no debate that police body-worn cameras capture an accurate record to aid in successful prosecution and gain trust within the community. 
Body-worn cameras keep the police honest and hold them accountable for their actions, increasing the positive relationship between the public and the police. Relationships are built on trust and transparency, and the use of police body-worn cameras can contribute to both. Police officers’ that use this technology have become more cognizant of their interactions with the public. With this accountability, they are more inclined to use as much force as reasonably necessary when interacting with the public. As a result, the police have reduced the amount of force used during their encounters with the public by 60% compared to those who are not equipped with this technology (White, 2014).

When people are aware that their actions are being recorded their behaviour will change, and potentially alter their actions. “Accumulated evidence further suggests that individuals who are aware

they are being observed often embrace submissive or commonly accepted behaviour, particularly when the observer is a rule-enforcing entity” (“Self-Awareness to being watched and Socially-Desirable Behaviour,” 2013, p.2). With this improved behaviour, it has created a more positive image of the police and the general public. During encounters where the responding officer was equipped with a body-worn camera, 81% of citizens reported they felt safe as a result of the cameras, compared to those who were not using them (White, 2014). The use of this technology has been reflected well in the community by creating a safer environment, hold the police accountable.

The video footage captured on the officer’s body-worn camera is a useful aid in police training and used to identify shortcomings. By addressing potential areas of concern that require coaching, this benefits the police service as a whole. Management can review the footage to evaluate current policies and procedures in order to determine if anything needs to be revised (Police Executive Research Forum, 2014). By creating the necessary changes to reflect current affairs, training staff are able to remain up-to-date on our ever changing world. They are able to assist in creating real life scenarios for their members. (Police Executive Research Forum, 2014) Police agencies are able to implement positive change by the use of this technology. The use of body-worn cameras will enable training to be more specific to agencies needs and the community that they protect. (Police Executive Research Forum, 2014) By reviewing the footage captured on these devices, police services can aid in improving their department.

In conclusion, this essay has demonstrated that police body-worn cameras are beneficial for police officers, providing valuable training, best evidence and demonstrating a stronger bond between citizens and police services.