Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Body-worn cameras (BWCs) have become a prevalent technology in modern law enforcement agencies, with the potential to enhance police accountability and rebuild citizen trust in law enforcement. This thesis explores the impact of body-worn cameras on police accountability and citizen trust from a criminological perspective. The study examines the theoretical foundations underlying the use of BWCs, reviews existing literature on the subject, and conducts empirical research to analyze the effectiveness of BWCs in promoting accountability and trust. The introduction provides an overview of the research topic, highlighting the importance of police accountability and citizen trust in maintaining a functional and legitimate criminal justice system. The background of the study discusses the evolution of BWCs in law enforcement and the rationale behind their adoption. The problem statement identifies the gaps in current research on the impact of BWCs on police accountability and citizen trust, setting the stage for the study. The objectives of the study outline the specific goals and research questions to be addressed. The literature review delves into ten key themes related to BWCs, police accountability, and citizen trust, drawing on a wide range of academic sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The research methodology section describes the research design, data collection methods, and analytical approach used in the empirical study. It includes details on the sample population, data collection tools, and statistical techniques employed to analyze the data. The findings section presents the results of the empirical study, examining the impact of BWCs on police accountability and citizen trust based on the data collected. The discussion of findings critically analyzes the implications of the results, highlighting the strengths and limitations of BWCs in promoting accountability and trust in law enforcement. The conclusion summarizes the key findings of the study, discusses their implications for policy and practice, and suggests directions for future research in this area. Overall, this thesis contributes to the existing literature on the impact of body-worn cameras on police accountability and citizen trust, offering valuable insights for law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and researchers. By exploring this topic from a criminological perspective, the study sheds light on the complex dynamics between technology, accountability, and trust in the criminal justice system, paving the way for further inquiry and innovation in this important field.

Thesis Overview

Research Overview: The project titled "The Impact of Body-Worn Cameras on Police Accountability and Citizen Trust in Law Enforcement: A Criminological Perspective" delves into the dynamic relationship between the use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) by law enforcement officers and its effects on police accountability and citizen trust. This research study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of how the adoption and implementation of BWCs influence the behavior and practices of police officers, the perceptions of citizens towards law enforcement, and the overall accountability mechanisms within policing systems. The use of BWCs has become increasingly prevalent in law enforcement agencies worldwide as a tool to enhance transparency, record interactions, and hold both officers and citizens accountable for their actions. However, there is a need to critically examine the effectiveness and implications of BWCs in achieving these intended outcomes, particularly from a criminological perspective. This research seeks to explore the nuances of how BWCs impact police behavior, citizen trust in law enforcement, and the broader implications for the criminal justice system. By conducting a thorough literature review, this study will synthesize existing research on BWCs, police accountability, and citizen trust to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape. The research methodology will involve a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, including surveys, interviews, and data analysis, to gather insights from both police officers and members of the community. The findings of this study are expected to contribute valuable insights to the fields of criminology, policing, and criminal justice by shedding light on the complex interplay between technology, accountability, and public trust. Ultimately, this research aims to inform policy discussions, enhance police practices, and foster greater transparency and trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.