Abstract
With the introduction of body worn cameras, new data types have emerged, including activation metadata, which is information on the extent of the implementation of body worn cameras, by whom, and under what conditions. In this paper, we propose an avenue of methodological interest: linking activation metadata with police-recorded behaviour. We take the case of complaints to examine the use of these data for investigations of officers’ misconduct. We used an observational approach, analysing 1.73 million body worn camera activations by more than 3900 frontline officers, juxtaposed with professional conduct data. We find a heterogeneous distribution of implementation, despite a ‘blanket’ body worn camera policy requiring activation. Specifically, distinct types of officers disproportionally under-activate body worn cameras. We show that body worn cameras activation rates are inversely correlated with complaints, although minimally when observed at the population level. We discuss the use of metadata for research as well as for policy.
Highlights
With the introduction of body worn cameras, new data types have emerged, including activation metadata, which is information on the extent of the implementation of body worn cameras, by whom, and under what conditions
These data were extracted from four distinct Queensland Police Service (QPS) record management systems: (1) Evidence.com!, a cloud-based repository platform for digital evidence captured by QPS-issued body worn camera (BWC), (2) QCAD, a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system that records all calls for service (CFS), (3) Compass, a complaint tracking system available to both QPS personnel and Queensland residents and (4) a human resources database operated by the Public Safety Business Agency
The total number of BWC activations is distorted by a disproportionate number of proactive policing activities and multiple device activations at a single incident attended by several officers
Summary
With the introduction of body worn cameras, new data types have emerged, including activation metadata, which is information on the extent of the implementation of body worn cameras, by whom, and under what conditions. Merola et al (2016) and Groff et al (2019) demonstrated how BWC data can be used in court, with the result of increased convictions in difficult cases such as domestic violence and assault on the police. Another avenue of new research is how to capitalise on the availability of big data consisting of BWC metadata to support decision-making in internal investigations. BWC metadata offers a previously unknown, additional layer of information – activation data These metadata tell us the exact number of minutes an officer attended a call, how many officers were at the scene, and whether officers complied with BWC policies. It is reasonable to expect an inverse correlation between activation rates and other indicators of compliance such as professional standards
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