Exploring the Impact of Body-Worn Cameras on Racial/Ethnic Arrest Composition

Author/Creator

Author/Creator ORCID

Date

2023-12

Type of Work

Department

University of Baltimore. College of Public Affairs

Program

University of Baltimore. Doctor of Public Administration

Citation of Original Publication

Rights

This item may be protected under Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. It is made available by The University of Baltimore for non-commercial research and educational purposes.

Abstract

Policing issues continue to plague the United States yearly. These issues consistently frustrate the relationship between citizens and police, particularly African Americans and police departments. Body-worn Cameras have often been the sought-out solution to help to ensure justice. However, the answer to whether BWCs work to address negative policing outcomes, such as racial/ethnic disparities in arrests is inconsistent. This research evaluated BWCs’ influence arrest disparities by examining the racial/ethnic composition of arrests in Chicago following the implementation of the Chicago Police Department’s BWC program. The study found that BWCs has limited influence on the racial/ethnic arrests, and no overall impact on racial/ethnic arrest disparities.