Officer-Worn Cameras Expand Point of View

• NCJ Number: 233933
• Journal: Techbeat Dated: Fall 2010 Pages: 6-7
• Author(s): Michelle Coppola
• Date Published: October 2010
• Length: 2 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2009–MU–MU– K261
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Issue Overview

Annotation

This article discusses the use of officer-worn video cameras by police departments.

Abstract

This article discusses the use of officer-worn video cameras by police departments in Kentucky and Colorado. Body-worn video cameras can be used in place of in-car, dash-mounted cameras to increase transparency of operations and reduce litigation resulting from excessive use-of-force cases and false accusations against police officers. The use of officer-worn cameras can result in cost-savings for police departments and improved community relations. The police departments in Erlanger, KY, and Lafayette, CO, switched to the use of body-worn cameras for financial reasons: body-worn cameras are considerably less costly than in-car, dash-mounted cameras. The police departments also found that the portability of the cameras increased officer safety, reduced agency liability, reduced officer complaints, and improved the public perception of the police.