NCJ Number
254811
Date Published
March 2020
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Based on a survey of law enforcement agencies that have received federal funds for body-worn cameras (BWCs), this report provides information on the type of training these agencies have provided officers in the technology, use, and departmental policy related to BWC use.
Abstract
The survey solicited information from about 100 agencies regarding the type of training offered to officers, what the training involves, and how often it is provided. The survey found that most agencies use multiple forms of training, with the majority including vendor training. Most agencies provide department-specific BWC initial training. Regarding the content of specific forms of training, vendor training focuses on operational issues with BWCs, such as the mechanics of activation, deactivation, and video download. Initial training offered by departments rather than vendors usually covers a wide range of both operational and policy issues. Only 34 percent of agencies provide refresher training on BWCs, even though BWC policies and relevant state law may change. The length of vendor and initial training varies substantially, from 2 hours to 4 hours. Refresher training is usually 1 hour or less. This report notes that the survey results presented are informative; however, the sample of responding agencies may not reflect the larger universe of agencies that have adopted BWCs. 18 references and appended questionnaire