Corrections_Today_Spring_2025_Vol.87_No.1

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survey (68%), and 87 in the post implementation survey (70%). CNA researchers found that LCADC deputies responded either neutrally or slightly negatively when asked whether body-worn cameras could improve efficiency and ac curacy, have a civilizing effect on residents, or disrupt their work. This remained relatively constant when comparing all three survey stages. Analysis of survey data also showed that deputies perceived their relationship with residents to be worse when comparing the pre-implementation period to the mid- and post-implementation stag es. Importantly, although the survey did not ask if staff-resident relation ships were affected by body-worn cameras specifically, the identified changes in perceptions occurred during the study period. Body-worn camera and stationary footage review The CNA study team randomly chose and reviewed 13 response-to resistance events that included 46 body-worn camera videos and 48 stationary camera videos to monitor audio and video quality, explore any added value of body-worn cameras, and better understand staff-resident interactions. 23 Findings showed that using both camera types together offered a more complete picture of events than either did alone, due to their complimentary capabilities. Specifi cally, body-worn cameras provided a first-person view of events with clear video and audio, with coverage in areas that may not have station ary cameras, such as bathrooms or

closets; stationary cameras provided an overhead view of events, with continuous and clear coverage of general areas. However, body-worn cameras were sometimes obstructed by deputy or resident movements, could have fallen off, and all had to be activated. Stationary cameras did not have audio, some lacked detail, and some were obstructed by visual barriers. Body-worn cameras were also associated with increased costs for event investigations, though it is possible these could be offset by savings in other areas, such as a reduction in resident injuries requiring offsite medical care. This research helps us under stand the impact of body-worn cameras in LCADC, which may be applicable to other jails across the United States. The results show that body-worn cameras may be a promising strategy to improve safety and security in correctional facilities through the reduction in response to-resistance events, prevention of resident injuries, and enhanced ability to investigate adverse events based on audio and video quality. Conclusion

However, using body-worn cameras may negatively influence deputies’ views of staff-resident relations. Body-worn cameras were also asso ciated with increased costs for event investigations, though it is possible these could be offset by savings in other areas, such as a reduction in resident injuries requiring offsite medical care. While this study provides im portant information for correctional administrators and researchers, further exploration into whether observed impacts are similar in different settings is needed. NIJ has funded CNA for an additional evaluation of body-worn cameras in corrections. 24 CNA will explore the impact of body-worn cameras on correctional culture, climate, and well-being of staff and incarcerated individuals in partnership with Minnesota Department of Correc tions. This evaluation will involve deploying body-worn cameras in five facilities and use rigorous research methods to assess impacts, obser vations, policy reviews, surveys, interviews, and administrative data. This study will provide important information on whether body-worn cameras can improve correctional culture (i.e., behaviors and interac tions between staff and residents) and climate (i.e., the perceptions of the prison environment). CT ENDNOTES 1 National Institute of Justice. 2022. Research on body-worn cameras and law enforcement. Washington, D.C.: Department of Justice: National Institute of Justice. (January). https:// nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/research-body-worn cameras-and-law-enforcement 2 Shelley S. Hyland. 2018. Body-worn cameras in law enforcement agencies, 2016. Washington,

Corrections Today | Spring 2025

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