Exploring body worn cameras; Prison Officer perceptions of safety and accountability

Polley, Laura and Smith, Richard (2020) Exploring body worn cameras; Prison Officer perceptions of safety and accountability. Prison Service Journal. ISSN 0300-3558 (Unpublished)

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Abstract

The recent implementation of Body Worn Camera’s (BWC’s) in Prisons across England and Wales is a strategic attempt at increasing safety and reducing violence in prisons. Despite this advancement seeking to promote transparency, accountability and safety, the introduction of BWC’s is contradictory in its effectiveness. Whilst their use reduces violence, discrimination and corruption, BWC’s carry risks of violating privacy and increasing hostility amongst the public towards police officers. Prison Officers in a local prison were interviewed regarding their perceptions of safety and accountability when wearing BWC’s, as well as any resistance to their use. Thematic analysis of interviews identified a mixture of perceptions and opinions, polarising the complexities associated with BWC use. Some staff felt that body worn cameras did not improve their personal safety and accountability, whilst others believed they were a positive step in the right direction. Additionally, barriers to BWC use were highlighted, namely a lack of valuable training and their inconvenient location. These findings give HMPPS actionable recommendations to improve body worn camera use within prisons, as well as having implications for staff safety and accountability within prisons.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Prison, Prison Officers, safety, accountability, body worn cameras
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Arts, Business & Applied Social Science > Department of Applied Social Sciences
Depositing User: Laura Polley
Date Deposited: 11 Nov 2020 12:48
Last Modified: 11 Nov 2020 12:48
URI: https://oars.uos.ac.uk/id/eprint/1506

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