Peer Exchange Guide: Body-Worn Cameras

• NCJ Number: 255476
• Date Published: August 2017
• Length: 2 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2015-DG-BX-K001
• Agencies: BJA-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Report (Grant Sponsored); Instructional Material (Programmed); Factsheet

Annotation

This is a guide for law enforcement agencies that are considering or have already decided on participation in a peer exchange event that involves an on-site exposure to and discussion of the policies and practices of a law enforcement agency that has adopted body-worn cameras (BWCs) as standard equipment for its officers.

Abstract

This peer exchange guide is based on the belief that it is helpful for personnel from one law enforcement agency to visit an agency with an established program that the visiting agency is considering instituting or improving. For the current peer exchange guide, the focus is on an agency's BWC policies and practices. Agencies interested in implementing or improving a BWC program must address various issues, such as camera assignment, data storage, financial impact, maintenance, the kinds of activities that should and should not be recorded, training, and program evaluation. This peer exchange guide provides a sample agenda of activities and topics that should be included in the peer exchange visit, such as a tour of the BWC data storage facility/room and meeting with personnel responsible for various aspects of the implementation of BWC policies and practices. The guide's sample list of objectives is intended to assist visiting personnel in deciding what outcomes it hopes to achieve from the peer exchange. A sample listing of potential outcomes from the peer exchange is also included in the guide. A listing of resources with online access focuses on information sources for various topics related to BWC policy and practice.