The importance of external stakeholders for police body-worn camera diffusion

Natalie Erin Todak · Janne E. Gaub · Michael D. White

57 citations0/0 files storedPolicing An International Journal

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Policing Practices and Perceptions Criminal Justice and Penology Policy Transfer and Learning

Abstract

Purpose The diffusion of innovations paradigm suggests that stakeholders’ acceptance of a police innovation shapes how it spreads and impacts the larger criminal justice system. A lack of support by external stakeholders for police body-worn cameras (BWCs) can short-circuit their intended benefits. The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of BWCs among non-police stakeholders who are impacted by the technology as well as how BWCs influence their daily work processes. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted interviews and focus groups (n=41) in two US cities where the police department implemented BWCs. The interviewees range from courtroom actors (e.g. judges, prosecutors) to those who work with police in the field (e.g. fire and mental health), city leaders, civilian oversight members, and victim advocates. Findings External stakeholders are highly supportive of the new technology. Within the diffusion of innovations framework, this support suggests that the adoption of BWCs will continue. However, the authors also found the decision to implement BWCs carries unique consequences for external stakeholders, implying that a comprehensive planning process that takes into account the views of all stakeholders is critical. Originality/value Despite the recent diffusion of BWCs in policing, this is the first study to examine the perceptions of external stakeholders. More broadly, few criminologists have applied the diffusion of innovations framework to understand how technologies and other changes emerge and take hold in the criminal justice system. This study sheds light on the spread of BWCs within this framework and offers insights on their continued impact and consequences.

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References

2002Integrating Models of Diffusion of Innovations: A Conceptual Framework 2014The Effect of Police Body-Worn Cameras on Use of Force and Citizens’ Complaints Against the Police: A Randomized Controlled Trial 2015Final Report of The President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing 2003REFORMING TO PRESERVE: COMPSTAT AND STRATEGIC PROBLEM SOLVING IN AMERICAN POLICING*2015Evaluating 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 randomized controlled experiment 2014Are Restorative Justice Conferences Effective in Reducing Repeat Offending? Findings from a Campbell Systematic Review 2016Wearing body cameras increases assaults against officers and does not reduce police use of force: Results from a global multi-site experiment 2014Cops and cameras: Officer perceptions of the use of body-worn cameras in law enforcement

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