Perspectives on the Use and Impact of Body-Worn Cameras in an Adult Detention Center
Sunday, May 22, 2022
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Location: 104B
Over the past 10 years, interest in the use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) in law enforcement agencies has grown substantially. Although research on the effects of BWCs on police agencies has increased, little research has been conducted on the effects of BWCs in correctional settings. This workshop focuses on the implementation of a randomized experiment to test the effectiveness of BWCs in the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. We highlight deputy perspectives over time, both before and after BWC deployment. We focus specifically on the effects of BWC technology on deputy behavior and safety, prevalence of serious incidents, and inmate violence and misconduct. The objectives are to describe opportunities and challenges associated with the implementation of BWCs in correctional setting; identify practical and methodologically sound approaches to leverage BWCs to improve jail operations; and to understand the costs and benefits associated with the implementation of BWCs in a correctional setting.