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Monitoring Technology : The Impact of Body-Worn Cameras on Citizen-Police Interactions

Author

Listed:
  • Barbosa, Daniel AC

    (University of Oxford)

  • Fetzer, Thiemo

    (University of Warwick)

  • Soto-Vieira, Caterina

    (London School of Economics)

  • Souza, Pedro CL

    (Queen Mary University)

Abstract

We provide experimental evidence that using body-worn cameras (BWCs) for police monitoring improves police-citizen interactions. Dispatches with BWCs show a 61.2% decrease in police use of force and a 47.0% reduction in negative interactions, including handcuff use and arrests. The use of BWCs also improves the quality of officers’ record from the dispatches. The rate of incomplete reports dropped by 5.9%, which is accompanied by a 69% increase in the notification of domestic violence. We explore various mechanisms that explain why BWCs work and show that the results are consistent with the police changing their behavior in the presence of cameras. Our results stand in contrast with previous experimental literature which used coarser designs and indicated muted or null body-worn camera effects on use of force. Replicating those designs, our data also finds attenuated effects. Overall, our results show that the use of BWCs de-escalates conflicts.

Suggested Citation

  • Barbosa, Daniel AC & Fetzer, Thiemo & Soto-Vieira, Caterina & Souza, Pedro CL, 2025. "Monitoring Technology : The Impact of Body-Worn Cameras on Citizen-Police Interactions," The Warwick Economics Research Paper Series (TWERPS) 1560, University of Warwick, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:wrk:warwec:1560
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    File URL: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/economics/research/workingpapers/2025/twerp_1560-_fetzer.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. 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.
    2. Suat Çubukçu & Nusret M. Sahin & Erdal Tekin & Volkan Topalli, 2021. "Body-Worn Cameras and Adjudication of Citizen Complaints of Police Misconduct," NBER Working Papers 29019, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    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.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

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    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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