Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement officers has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with the aim of increasing transparency and accountability in police-citizen interactions. This thesis examines the impact of body-worn cameras on police encounters with citizens from a criminological perspective. The introduction section provides an overview of the research topic, highlighting the growing interest in the use of body-worn cameras in policing and the need for a comprehensive analysis of their effects on police-citizen interactions. The background of the study presents the historical context and development of body-worn cameras in law enforcement. The problem statement identifies gaps in existing literature regarding the effectiveness of body-worn cameras in improving police behavior and citizen perceptions. The objectives of the study outline the specific goals and research questions that will guide the investigation. The limitations of the study acknowledge potential constraints and challenges that may impact the research findings. The scope of the study defines the boundaries of the research, specifying the focus on police encounters with citizens in a particular geographic area or jurisdiction. The significance of the study highlights the potential contributions to criminological knowledge and the implications for policy and practice in law enforcement. The structure of the thesis provides an overview of the organization of the research, including the chapters and sub-sections that will be covered. The definition of terms clarifies key concepts and terminology used throughout the thesis. The literature review chapter synthesizes existing research on body-worn cameras and their effects on police behavior, citizen perceptions, and outcomes of police encounters. The review of literature covers ten key themes, including the impact on police accountability, transparency, community relations, and officer discretion. The research methodology chapter outlines the research design, data collection methods, sampling approach, and data analysis techniques that will be employed in the study. Eight components are discussed, including the selection of study participants, data collection instruments, and ethical considerations. The discussion of findings chapter presents the results of the research, analyzing the impact of body-worn cameras on various aspects of police encounters with citizens. The chapter provides a detailed examination of the findings, highlighting key trends, patterns, and implications for theory and practice. The conclusion and summary chapter synthesizes the key findings of the study, discusses the implications for criminology and law enforcement, and offers recommendations for future research and policy development. The chapter concludes with a summary of the main findings and contributions of the thesis. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of literature on body-worn cameras and their impact on police encounters with citizens. The research findings provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of this technology in enhancing police accountability, transparency, and community relations, offering implications for policy and practice in law enforcement.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "The Impact of Body-Worn Cameras on Police Encounters with Citizens: A Criminological Analysis" aims to explore the effects of body-worn cameras (BWCs) on interactions between law enforcement officers and citizens from a criminological perspective. In recent years, the use of BWCs by police officers has become increasingly prevalent as a tool for enhancing transparency, accountability, and trust in policing practices. These devices have the potential to capture crucial evidence, deter misconduct, and improve the quality of interactions between police officers and community members. This research project will delve into the existing literature on the impact of BWCs on police-citizen encounters, examining both the benefits and challenges associated with their use. By conducting a comprehensive review of relevant studies, this analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how BWCs influence the behavior of both officers and citizens during interactions. Furthermore, the project will investigate the implications of BWCs for police accountability, public trust, and perceptions of legitimacy within the criminal justice system. Through the application of criminological theories and methodologies, this research seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of BWCs as a tool for promoting positive outcomes in police-citizen encounters. By examining real-world case studies and empirical data, the study will assess the extent to which BWCs contribute to enhancing the transparency and fairness of law enforcement practices. Additionally, the project will explore the potential limitations and ethical considerations associated with the deployment of BWCs in policing contexts. Overall, this research overview outlines a critical examination of the impact of body-worn cameras on police encounters with citizens through a criminological lens. By shedding light on the complex dynamics at play in these interactions, this analysis aims to inform policy discussions, improve police practices, and contribute to the broader discourse on accountability and trust in law enforcement.