The Impact of Body-Worn Cameras on Police-Citizen Interactions: A Criminological Analysis

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis explores the impact of body-worn cameras (BWCs) on police-citizen interactions from a criminological perspective. The use of BWCs by law enforcement agencies has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with proponents arguing that these devices enhance transparency, accountability, and trust between police officers and the community. However, critics raise concerns about privacy violations, surveillance issues, and the potential for biased interpretations of recorded interactions. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the effects of BWCs on police-citizen interactions, drawing on criminological theories and empirical evidence to inform policy and practice. The introduction sets the stage by discussing the background of the study, highlighting the significance of the topic, and outlining the structure of the thesis. The research problem is identified as the need to understand how the use of BWCs influences the behavior of both police officers and citizens during interactions, as well as its broader implications for policing and criminal justice. The literature review examines existing research on BWCs and police-citizen interactions, covering topics such as the impact of surveillance technologies on behavior, the effects of BWCs on police accountability and transparency, and the ethical considerations surrounding their use. The review synthesizes key findings and identifies gaps in the literature that this study seeks to address. The research methodology section details the approach taken to investigate the research questions, including the use of qualitative interviews, surveys, and observational data. The sample population, data collection methods, and analysis techniques are described, along with ethical considerations and potential limitations of the study. The discussion of findings presents the results of the empirical analysis, highlighting key themes and patterns that emerged from the data. The findings are interpreted in the context of criminological theories and prior research, providing insights into the impact of BWCs on police-citizen interactions and the implications for policy and practice. In conclusion, this thesis summarizes the key findings, discusses their implications for the field of criminology, and offers recommendations for future research and policy development. The study contributes to a better understanding of the complex dynamics of police-citizen interactions in the context of BWC use and provides valuable insights for improving the effectiveness and accountability of law enforcement practices.