Prevalence and Predictors of Surveillance Cameras in Law Enforcement

Abstract

Using data from more than 2,500 law enforcement agencies, the goal of this study was to identify predictors of advanced surveillance technologies. The findings suggest that the adoption of modern surveillance cameras is neither uniform nor comprehensive and that the adoption process is ongoing with agency officials implementing and discontinuing technologies over time. Most important, stakeholders both inside and outside the organization have the greatest influence on the adoption process, and cameras in vehicles and mobile devices are most prevalent in improvised communities. As cameras become smaller and less expensive, they have the potential to democratize surveillance and equalize the relationship between the police and the public during encounters. However, the democratization effect will only occur if implementation is widespread and all segments of the community have an equal voice in the process. The research findings suggest that significant progress still needs to be made in these areas.