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

Author

Listed:
  • Fetzer, Thiemo
  • Souza, Pedro
  • Barbosa, Daniel
  • Vieira, Caterina

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

  • Fetzer, Thiemo & Souza, Pedro & Barbosa, Daniel & Vieira, Caterina, 2021. "De-escalation technology: the impact of body-worn cameras on citizen-police interactions," CEPR Discussion Papers 16578, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:16578
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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;
    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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