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The usage and utility of body‐worn camera footage in courts: A survey analysis of state prosecutors

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  • Kevin Petersen
  • Donald Papy
  • Alejandro Mouro
  • Barak Ariel

Abstract

Despite substantial recent developments in body‐worn camera (BWC) research, little is known about the effect of BWC footage on downstream criminal justice actors and agencies. Analyzing both quantitative and qualitative survey responses taken from state prosecutors in Miami‐Dade County (FL) in 2019, this study provides one of the most detailed examinations of prosecutors' experiences with BWC footage to date. Using descriptive analyses, ordinary least squares regressions, and structural equation modeling, we examine how the operational challenges associated with BWC footage affect the degree to which prosecutors use the footage and perceive it to be useful. Our results suggest that poor footage quality and delayed video transfer may limit the utility of BWC footage—and in turn—that lower perceptions of utility may reduce the formal usage of BWC footage in court. These findings differ across case‐processing stages, however, with transfer delay affecting the utility of BWC video for charging decisions and footage quality affecting the utility of BWC video across multiple case processing stages. Implications and policy recommendations based on these results are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Kevin Petersen & Donald Papy & Alejandro Mouro & Barak Ariel, 2023. "The usage and utility of body‐worn camera footage in courts: A survey analysis of state prosecutors," Journal of Empirical Legal Studies, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 20(3), pages 534-569, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:empleg:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:534-569
    DOI: 10.1111/jels.12358
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Demir, Mustafa, 2019. "Citizens' perceptions of body-worn cameras (BWCs): Findings from a quasi-randomized controlled trial," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 130-139.
    7. Elder, Harold W, 1989. "Trials and Settlements in the Criminal Courts: An Empirical Analysis of Dispositions and Sentencing," The Journal of Legal Studies, University of Chicago Press, vol. 18(1), pages 191-208, January.
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