Police use of body worn cameras

ABSTRACT

This article gives an overview of police use of body-worn cameras (BWCs). In doing so it explores the widespread adoption of BWC technology around the world and shows how different jurisdictions are adopting the cameras for a variety of uses. Next, the review examines the empirical research of BWCs and assesses the perceived benefits and concerns of the technology. The article then examines a case study of police use of BWCs in Canada. Politicians and civil rights groups have called on police in Canada to adopt BWCs to improve accountability, but little movement has been made in this direction. The article identifies several reasons why police have been slow to adopt the technology in Canada despite public demand and the widespread deployment of the technology elsewhere. It concludes with suggestions for areas of future research.

KEYWORDS:

• Body-worn cameras
• research
• Canada
• policing

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Erick Laming

Erick Laming is a PhD candidate in criminology at the University of Toronto. His main research interests include police use of force, accountability, and police oversight. He is also Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation and his research explores Aboriginal Canadians' experiences with the police.