It is imperative to create balanced policies as body worn cameras increasingly become a valuable component of correctional operations facilities.

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    • Learn about the benefits of body-worn cameras in correctional facilities.

    • Find out some best practices for body-worn camera policy in corrections.

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It is a fact that correctional facilities derive advantages from equipping their officers with body worn cameras, as the impartial documentation of officer-inmate interactions through video footage proves to be beneficial.

The utilization of body cameras, which record actual events, can discourage inmates from engaging in rule-breaking activities, physical altercations, and lodging false allegations against correctional officers.

In 2016, the Atlanta Department of Corrections became the first detention facility to implement BWCs.

At a Correctional Accreditation Managers Association conference hosted by Atlanta DOC, they demonstrated how control officers and supervisors can now watch live interactions with inmates and quickly respond to serious incidents.

Maintaining order among inmates is a challenging task for correctional officers.

The cramped living spaces and overcrowded prisons can provoke conflicts, not only between prisoners but also with officers.

To address this issue, numerous correctional facilities have introduced body-worn cameras.

These cameras serve two purposes: to document incidents and establish culpability, and to discourage unwarranted aggression.

police with a body worn camera

However, it remains unclear whether the use of body cameras has a deterrent effect on inmates and correctional officers, preventing them from making poor decisions.

According to a study published in the New Zealand Corrections Journal in 2014, there were nine instances during a six-month trial where a prisoner was able to deescalate a situation simply by being in the presence of a body-worn camera, or by stating that they would have resorted to violence against an officer had the camera not been present.

The study also found that there were no serious assaults recorded during the trial period and that the severity of incidents was reduced.

Compared to the 12 months prior to the trial period, there was an overall reduction of 15% to 20% in incidents, which the researchers attribute to the use of body cameras.

Advantages of Implementing Body-Worn Cameras in Correctional Facilities

According to research, the utilization of body-worn cameras (BWCs) in law enforcement has the potential to enhance police accountability and reduce citizen complaints. These body worn camera benefits may also extend to correctional facilities.

Increased Accountability, Transparency, and Safety

A recent study revealed that the use of body-worn cameras by officers resulted in a 60% decrease in the use of force. This suggests that the implementation of BWCs in corrections could yield similar results.

Unlike police officers who work in the public eye, correctional officers’ work is often less visible. Consequently, if an officer is abusing their power, inmates cannot record footage on their smartphones.

Due to the challenging and potentially hazardous nature of their work, officer integrity is particularly critical in the corrections field.

The use of body-worn video by frontline officers has real potential to reduce complaints of incivility and use of force by officers. The footage can also exonerate officers from vexatious and malicious complaints.

Moreover, the use of BWCs can also enhance officer safety and protect them in the event of an inmate complaint.

Reduced Risk and Decreased Likelihood of Unfounded Allegations

Body-worn cameras provide visual evidence of incidents that occur.

In cases where inmates make accusations against officers, BWC footage can quickly and effectively resolve the issue before it escalates into a legal battle.

correctional departments body worn camera

The use of body-worn cameras can assist correctional departments in avoiding litigation.

How Bodycams Can Improve Outcomes

body worn camera Knowing that their actions are being recorded, people tend to exhibit better behavior.

This is particularly true in correctional facilities where the use of bodycams can discourage inmates from breaking rules, fighting, and making false claims against officers.

The presence of such cameras can also dissuade correctional officers (COs) from using excessive or unwarranted force.

Officers are behaving better and inmates are also more conscious of their behavior because they do not want to be caught doing anything wrong on camera.

Apart from fewer complaints, using bodycams to reduce the number of physical altercations in a correctional facility can also result in lower medical expenses incurred in treating injured inmates and fewer sick days and workers’ compensation claims for injured staff.

The use of bodycam videos can also prevent frivolous filings, grievances, and complaints. When lawsuits do arise, investigations can be conducted more efficiently, resulting in cost savings.

Some Guidelines for Developing Policies on Body-Worn Cameras in Correctional Facilities

To establish a successful BWC program, it is essential to develop extensive guidelines and provide proper training.

Correctional officers must have a precise understanding of the appropriate usage of BWCs.

Below are some key factors that correctional departments should take into account while formulating equitable policies for body-worn cameras.

1. Equitably Consider the Interests of Both Officers and Inmates

Body-worn camera policy in law enforcement often revolves around privacy concerns.

However, in corrections, privacy rights are less of an issue due to court rulings that limit the application of the 1st and 4th Amendments within correctional facilities.

Inmates are not afforded the same privacy rights as average citizens and are subject to searches and seizures without a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Despite this, correctional facilities still have a responsibility to ensure inmates are treated humanely, and inmates are protected by certain constitutional rights, such as the 8th Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.

BODYCAM program

While constant surveillance may not qualify as cruel and unusual punishment, it can be degrading, particularly in vulnerable scenarios like strip searches or showers.

Therefore, when creating body-worn camera policy in corrections, departments must consider the interests of both officers and inmates.

These policies should establish guidelines for when officers are required to activate cameras and when they should be turned off, as well as which portions of videos should be edited to safeguard the privacy of both inmates and officers.

2. Seek Advice from Professionals to Assist in Formulating the Policy

When developing a body-worn camera program, corrections agencies can seek assistance from legal consultants and subject matter experts to ensure comprehensive and effective policies that safeguard officers and inmates.

Parker Police Department’s leaders consulted other agencies, conducted research studies, and sought guidance from experts at the DA’s office and the ACLU while creating their body-worn camera program.

Image Credit: Los Angeles Times

Corrections agencies encounter distinct challenges with BWCs compared to law enforcement agencies, but they can still gain valuable insights from agencies that have already adopted BWCs.

Additionally, experts from organizations like the ACLU can assist in ensuring that BWC policies are lawful, ethical, and considerate of inmates’ rights.

3. Create an All-Encompassing Training Program 

If officers are not trained on how and when to use body-worn cameras, their deployment will be ineffective.

Therefore, after establishing policies for body-worn cameras, corrections agencies must create a comprehensive training schedule to ensure that all officers are thoroughly trained before using them. This training should cover every aspect of BWC policies and use, from camera operation to video footage tagging and storage.

It is not sufficient to train officers only during program implementation. Departments should require annual retraining on BWC operations and policy.

To streamline the training and retraining process, a training management software tool like PowerDMS can be used, which can also track signatures to confirm that all staff members have read the BWC policies.

In order to gain officer support for a new body-worn camera program, corrections agencies should emphasize the benefits and objectives of BWCs during the training process. They should also remain receptive to officer questions and concerns throughout the training.

The Bottom Line

Bodycams are a cost-effective problem-solver for correctional facilities. They can make life safer and calmer for everyone inside an institution, while also saving money due to fewer physical injuries, less property damage and reduced inmate lawsuits.

For a successful bodycam program, it is vital that correctional facilities have clear, detailed policies governing all aspects of bodycam footage access and review, and facility staff need to understand the policy and procedures and be trained in how to use the tools.

No policy is perfect. And even effective policies have to be updated as technology changes and agencies grow and adapt. As you seek to create a BWC program for your agency, be sure to consult with experts, create consistent training, and regularly review your policy.

About Kocchi’s Technology

Kocchi’s is a leading video technology solutions provider trusted by thousands of organizations globally. Our solutions include vehicle video recording systems, body-worn cameras, data management and cloud-based storage solutions, etc.

Article by: Eason 

Eason He

Kocchi’s product manager Eason brings his technical expertise to help explain vehicle safety products in an easy to understand fashion. Eason loves sharing his knowledge of the vehicle camera system and technology insights. He is the part of Kocchi’s team that knows ‘all the things’. He’s good at sharing his technical knowledge so you can benefit. BTW, he is an avid Lego fan!

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