body-worn video (BWV) cameras (Case Study Sample)

Case Study – Body-Worn Video Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Course Code Due Date Case Study – Body-Worn Video The reason behind the use of body-worn video (BWV) cameras by the Rialto Police Department is a good case to support its use in modern-day policing. The 12-month trial yielded results of a full 59% decrease in police use of force and a mind-blowing 87% decrease in citizen complaints of officers. This means that the presence of cameras resulted in a change of behavior among civilians and officers by increasing self-policing and accountability (Ariel, Farrar, and Sutherland, 2015). This is in favor of observer effect, a psychological theory; it says that when a person is conscious of their actions then they will alter their actions. Cambridge University scholars and Chief Tony Farrar found out that BWVs keep conflict at bay rather than record it. The prophylactic reason is, perhaps, the fact that officers will be less reckless in their interactions, and citizens will be less aggressive or deceitful (Ariel et al., 2015). In this way, BWVs help to achieve mutual respect and transparency, which is crucial in enhancing trust between the local community and authorities in the face of a series of controversial police shootings. Although BWVs cannot possibly be the complete answer to the issue of policing misconduct or the systematic abuse of the system, Rialto data indicate them as a helpful tool in evidence based policing. The fears of privacy and misuse of data are quite legitimate and should be mitigated by good policies, yet should not be used as an excuse to overlook the obvious advantages (Ariel et al., 2015). With proper training and supervision of the officers, arming them with BWVs can be a pote...