WMP Body Worn Video Trial

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Socio-Cognitive Theory In social contexts, knowing that one is being-observed leads to modifications of behaviour and often into socially-desirable-responses. [Chartrand & Bargh (1999); Jones & Nisbett (1971); Wicklund (1975); Paulhus (1988); Munger & Shelby (1989)] Deterrence theory predicts that when the perceived probability of apprehension is high, unacceptable behavior is less likely to occur. Nagin (2013)

Rialto Trial  Reduction in use-of-force incidents from 61 to 25  Of the 25 use-of-force incidents, 17 were control and 8 Experiment  Of the 8 use-of-force incidents on the Experiment days, all 8 were recorded on video  Contacts increased from the previous years - no backfiring effect  Reduction in complaints from 24 to 3 or from 0.7 complaints per 1,000 contacts to 0.07 per 1,000 contacts  Survey of all officers before and during RCT shows no significant changes in officers’ self-legitimacy

WMP Trial - Hypotheses Wearing body worn video by patrol officers will: Decrease number of recorded incidents of use of force Decrease number of citizens complaints Increase satisfaction of members of the public coming into contact with the police Improve self-legitimacy of police officers Increase rate of prosecution/charge/early guilty plea Compared to not wearing cameras.

Trial Construct Randomised Control Trial on Birmingham South and Wolverhampton LPU’s supported by Cambridge University: 7 Response teams randomised to shifts 160 Officers in trial with no previous use of BWV 2 week initial 100% assignment to test systems 6 month trial with reviews at 120 days Running during same period similar trials in West Yorkshire, Cambridge, PSNI and Sacramento overall supervision Dr Barak Ariel, Cambridge University.

Deployment Protocols Trial looked at personal issue (BS) and pool issue (WV) to response teams Compulsory to wear Officer discretion to record incident. High visibility only, no covert use. Only standard response deployment, no Public Order/Football/Firearms etc. Pre-record shut off for trial

Process All trial officers entered into DEMs software. Password/RFID to book out BWV. Officer uses for tour of duty BWV returned to cradle, automated download, delete and recharge. Officers designate data as evidential or non-evidential - Retention indefinite (evidential) or 30 days (non-evidential). Officers can view only their footage with DEMS Supervisors can view all officers footage One super-user can view and delete any footage. Audit log on all footage showing who has viewed, printed, cropped etc. Evidential material burned to DVD prior to end of tour of duty.

Birmingham South RCT 46 officers randomised to shift 430 officer shifts over 6 months 592 arrest records, data obtained only for charges so far. Use of force and court results currently being reviewed. 99% compliance with random allocation 134 victim interviews completed reviewing perceptions of BWV. Before and after implementation questionnaire with officers.

WMP Interim Results Complaints No complaints registered against two units using cameras on BS during trial period, compared 10 across other three units. 46% reduction in complaints against WV response officers. (24 to 13) Cost saving for investigating complaints £28,000 per annum on two LPU’s. (PwC)

WMP Interim Results Charges Overall charges BS – Increase 12% (p 0.014) DV incident charges – Increase 13% (BS) No Change (WV) Public Order offence charge – Increase 22% (BS) 14% (WV) Racial incident charge – Increase 12% (BS)

User Views Increased officer confidence “...it’s obvious isn’t it? Present this to a Court and they have to believe you.” Officer - D Unit Increased accountability and changed behaviours “... I’m much more confident since viewing some footage my officers are doing the right thing out there.” Supervisor - B Unit Officers used footage as self-reflection tool “... When I look back I can see I should have never put myself in some of those situations, never thought about it before.” Officer - B Unit Shortened trials “...This footage made the difference to the trial, he changed his plea after it was shown.” Barrister - Birmingham Crown Court. Camera reliability is important... “...I want this to back me up, if it isn’t going to work why should I use it?” Officer - D Unit

The Silver Bullet? Better evidence Increased officer confidence Improved behaviours Transparency to public Improved legitimacy Beats public recordings of officers interactions? Effect on use of force still unclear. Officers miss start of dynamic incident. Strength of evidence unchallenged at Court. Some cameras and software very poor. Evidence of effectiveness still limited

Future considerations More research.... Thesis 'Testing the effect of BWV on police Use of Force.’ Learning tool/professional development – used in military, professional sport, business, medicine but not policing? Scrutiny panels – removes need for external assessors Reduced time in interviews/statements Victim use? Live feed for negotiators/firearms commander?