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De-escalation technology : the impact of body-worn cameras on citizen-police interactions

Author

Listed:
  • Barbosa, Daniel AC

    (PUC-Rio, Brazil)

  • Fetzer, Thiemo

    (University of Warwick)

  • Soto, Caterina

    (London School of Economics)

  • Souza, Pedro CL

    (Queen Mary University)

Abstract

We provide experimental evidence that monitoring of the police activity through body-worn cameras reduces use-of-force, handcuffs and arrests, and enhances criminal reporting. Stronger treatment effects occur on events classified ex-ante of low seriousness. Monitoring effects are moderated by officer rank, which is consistent with a career concern motive by junior officers. Overall, results show that the use of body-worn cameras de-escalates conflicts.

Suggested Citation

  • Barbosa, Daniel AC & Fetzer, Thiemo & Soto, Caterina & Souza, Pedro CL, 2021. "De-escalation technology : the impact of body-worn cameras on citizen-police interactions," The Warwick Economics Research Paper Series (TWERPS) 1371, University of Warwick, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:wrk:warwec:1371
    as

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    File URL: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/economics/research/workingpapers/2021/twerp_1371_-_fetzer.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. David Yokum & Anita Ravishankar & Alexander Coppock, 2019. "A randomized control trial evaluating the effects of police body-worn cameras," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 116(21), pages 10329-10332, May.
    2. Cynthia Lum & Christopher S. Koper & David B. Wilson & Megan Stoltz & Michael Goodier & Elizabeth Eggins & Angela Higginson & Lorraine Mazerolle, 2020. "Body‐worn cameras’ effects on police officers and citizen behavior: A systematic review," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 16(3), September.
    3. Headley, Andrea M. & Guerette, Rob T. & Shariati, Auzeen, 2017. "A field experiment of the impact of body-worn cameras (BWCs) on police officer behavior and perceptions," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 102-109.
    4. Jennings, Wesley G. & Lynch, Mathew D. & Fridell, Lorie A., 2015. "Evaluating the impact of police officer body-worn cameras (BWCs) on response-to-resistance and serious external complaints: Evidence from the Orlando police department (OPD) experience utilizing a ran," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 43(6), pages 480-486.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    police citizen interaction ; use-of-force ; technology ; field experiment JEL Classification: C93 ; D73 ; D74;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions

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