U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Using BWC Footage to Promote Officer Safety: Examples from the Field

NCJ Number
305292
Author(s)
Jessica Dockstader ; Quin Patterson; Allie Land ; Brittany C. Cunningham
Date Published
April 2022
Length
2 pages
Annotation

This report provides examples of how several law enforcement agencies have used body-worn cameras (BWCs) to promote officer safety.

Abstract

Although the effects of the practices featured have not been formally evaluated, these examples reflect positive and promising developments in the use of BWCs related to training, policies, and practices that promote officer safety. For agencies to fully realize the potential of using BWC footage, agency leaders should clearly convey to their officers that BWC footage review by the agency is not punitive, but rather a tool to improve tactical preparedness and response that can improve officer safety. The examples of constructive use of BWC review to improve officer safety pertain to tactical awareness, training in safety procedures, field-training officer (FTO) feedback for field training, and “real-time” decisionmaking.