RT Article
T1 Community Perceptions of Police Body-Worn Cameras: The Impact of Views on Fairness, Fear, Performance, and Privacy
JF Criminal justice and behavior
VO 44
IS 4
SP 589
OP 610
A1 Crow, Matthew S.
A2 Smykla, John Ortiz
A2 Crichlow, Vaughn J.
A2 Snyder, Jamie A.
LA English
YR 2017
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1700630768
AB Despite relatively little extant research, efforts to expand the use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) in policing are increasing. Although recent research suggests positive impacts of BWCs on reducing police use-of-force and citizen complaints, little is known about community members’ perceptions of BWCs. The current study examined perceptions of residents of two Florida counties and found a large majority of respondents supported the use of BWCs. Structural equation modeling was utilized to examine factors that influence views of BWCs. Findings indicate that positive perceptions of police performance and more police interaction were associated with greater perceived benefits of BWCs, whereas concerns about the privacy reduced perceived BWC benefits. Respondents’ views of procedural fairness and crime concern were indirectly related to perceptions BWC benefits. Non-White and younger respondents were indirectly less likely to perceive benefits. Implications of these findings and future directions for research are discussed.
K1 Policing
K1 Law enforcement
K1 Body-worn cameras
K1 Procedural fairness
K1 Fear of crime
K1 Police performance
K1 Structural equation modeling
DO 10.1177/0093854816688037