Body Worn Cameras In Policing in the UAE - Assignment Example

BОDY WОRN САMЕRАS IN РОLIСING: DЕTЕRMINING РОTЕNTIАL АDОРTIОN FОR USЕ IN THЕ UАЕ Name: Course: Professor’s Name: University Name: City, State: Date; Abstract Security has been one of the most crucial areas of concern that have been focused on by various law enforcement agencies globally with the aim of ensuring the law enforcers and field operatives are safe and secure as they maintain law and order with the different societal settings. This commitment has inspired technological advancements in the development of devices with appropriate mechanisms that guard and protect law enforcers while on duty. This movement towards a more secure profession started in 1980s with the first integration and continued upgrade of In-car video devices. One of the gadgets that has been popularised by law enforcement practitioners such as SWAT, patrol officers, corrections and other tactical respondents has been the use of body-worn camera systems abbreviated as BWCs. This is validated by the fact that the use of technology by law enforcers is at an all-time high, owing to the development of gadgets and devices used by them. Based on the varied evaluations and analytical observations recorded, the field deployment of BWCs offer substantial advantages and ensures the safety of the officers in the line of duty, gives provision of real time evidence for trial purposes as well as guaranteeing situational awareness in crime scenes or ongoing investigations. Thus, it has become a very crucial tool within the police force. Analysis and evaluation of the various aspects generated when elaborating on BWCs is critical in determining the level of reception and acceptance of these devices in UAE. Introduction 1.0 Background Information 1.1 Body-Worn Cameras According to statistics, BWCs are viewed as the predecessors of ICVs (In-Car video Cameras) that have since become less utilised because they record only about 10% of the encounters experienced by police officers. Despite the success observed with BWCs, there are demerits identified. Firstly, there is lack of detailed information elaborating on the standards concerning protocol and operation of this device available to esteemed law enforcement practitioners (Stanley, 2013: 3). This poses the threat in terms of selection of a proper and effectual security system that meets all the necessary needs and requirements of the police force. The development of operational standards is important in ensuring validity in courtrooms in situations where the evidence gathered is through BWCs. It also brings into focus the need for compatibility between various systems in the force and the softwares tasked with operating these gadgets. Owing to these issues, several international and national organisations inclusive of National Institute of Justice Sensor, Centre of Excellence (COE) and Sensor Surveillance and Biometric Technologies (SSBT) have spearheaded directives geared at developing the operational and protocol standards of the use of BWCs in the law enforcement departments. The focus is on nations that have implemented this strategy of promoting safety and security to the law enforcers (Stanley, 2013: 5). This research aims at providing evidence-based information on the introduction of BWCs; expound on issues and factors that face the law enforcement organisations and several components that should be considered prior and during the inculcation and implementation of BWCs in any law enforcement agency. 2.0 Justification In the developing world, there is the constant upgrade of mechanisms and technology that are aimed at improving the life of the human populations. Many of these upgrades are triggered to function by offering services to the consumer while offering safety during this interchange (Fitzpatrick, 2002: 357). This is observed with the BWCs as well. Owing to the increase in preference of BWCs as a method of collecting evidence while offering security, in the global scene, more agencies have considered implementing the use of BWCs for their varied benefits. According to the International Associations of Chiefs Police (IACP), such implementation is likely to succeed only when the right channels are followed (Fitzpatrick, T 2002: 363). The motivational factor of conducting this research is to provide a positive outlook on the use of BWCs. This is especially due to the varied concerns that have been raised over the years. Some of the major concerns outlined with regards the usage of this machination are the ability to edit and delete the recordings, admissibility during judicial processes, sot implications and starting and stopping the recording. There are also technological incapacities that have made BWC collected evidence to be admissible in court. This includes the limited recording capability as will be further elaborated when reviewing the technology of this gadget. Despite the downside of usage of BWCs, several polices have been implemented to curtail some of the incapacities of the device such as issuance of protocol that outline when the device should be turned on and off during collection of evidence and the content that should be recorded. The purchase of more expensive models of BWCs is also a measure that has been taken owing to the inability to edit or delete the recorded video. The later directive has been quite expensive thus bringing into focus the issue of expenditure and cost implications on the Police force thus motivating the need to source for sponsorships and grants that will promote the use of this technology to improve the service. 3.0 Aim and Objectives The main aim of the research is to focus on the importance of implementation of BWCs especially due to their importance in officer safety, judicial proceedings, and professionalism. It is also geared to providing a detailed explanation of the technological structure of BWCs as well as conferring in the occupational culture that surrounds is usage. There is also the aspect of understanding the relationship between policing and technology and how each factor affects the other in the law enforcement setting. Lastly, the research paper aims to create a comprehensive review of the receptions BWCs have received since their implementation in the systems and how the law enforcers have adapted to this new technology that aims to revolutionise the very essence of criminal investigation and judicial process. Finally, the paper aims to provide enough information will be determinant on implementation of BWCs in UAE. 4.0 A Research Methodology Section In the process of identification of selecting relevant literature mainly focussing on BWCs, internet search was used in an attempt to gathering the back ground information which was useful in developing a better understanding of the subject matter. As for data collection for analysis, quantitative methods were employed. The most reliable technique was conducting interviews with willing UAE police officers. The questions developed were geared on evaluating both the subjective and objective opinion the police force had with regards to the use of BWCs as part of their surveillance gear. There was also incorporation of privacy concerns raised by the public and the individual officers as well as the receptivity the gadgets were likely to receive once its implementation was executed. Besides the interviews, field data collection was conducted where 10 BWCs were used on pilot officers in the surveillance department. Observations which were collected mainly focused on how the citizens reacted to the BWCs pilot officers as opposed to those who were plain. Another factor of consideration was the behaviour management aspect of the police officers which according to the studies conducted has been influential in reducing the number of cases reported on police abuse. The data was collected after the surveillance recordings were analysed by a panel of psychology experts and police scholars to ensure the authenticity and validity of the mannerisms of the citizens and police officers. Part of the methodology also involved reviewing of works cited in various documents retrieved online as a means to collect more materials for the research. The references pages were analysed and evaluated with the assistance of selected police scholars conversant with BWCs and other similar machinations. It was also imperative to review the websites of the renowned manufacturing companies involved in the productions of these gadgets. This is inclusive of TASER international as well as VIEVU. Collection of data also involved the reviewing of printed media, which encompassed the televisions news stories and newsprint on the same topic. Some of the important facets considered in the review are the different approaches and themes that are tailored to provide crucial information on varied issues related to BWCs. 5.0 Literature Review Detailed analysis was conducted by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) that delved deeper on the issue of strengthening CBP using the Body Worn Cameras. This is mainly because the use of body worn camera has become a welcomed strategy among the law enforcement agencies that has seen to the reduction of the number of cases where force has been used by law enforcers. This technology has been instrumental in reducing the number of accusations levied against law enforcers pertaining to abuse (Slobogin, 2013: 993). The essence of utilising these gadgets, according to ACLU, is that they provide flexibility that is not offered by other forms of cameras thus becoming a crucial utility in the police force. The aspect of improving the judicial process is also outlined in the analysis as one of the benefits that have been gained since the implementation of Body Worn Cameras. Based on the findings following a study conducted in the Police Department of California, it was reported that there was a decrease of 88% in reported cases of police abuse. This was further validated by the 60% decrease of cases where the officers were forceful during handling civilians and perpetrators (Slobogin, 2013: 997). This has led to vindications of officers who have been falsely accused thus in essence providing the ultimate form of security to this law enforces. 5.1.1 Privacy Concerns According to the ACLU, several devices have been put into place to address the privacy concerns that have been forwarded to relevant involved authorities. The complainants that have raised these issues are the police officers as well as the public in fear of their privacy been infringed (Friesen, Feenberg & Smith, 2009: 85). The ACLU review on the matter fails to delve deeper on the means that have been proposed in dealing with these concerns. The outlined measures provided include development of a comprehensive network of policies that are capable of balancing the protections of the civil liberties of the complainants as well as offering an effectual oversight (Marks, P 2013: 345). There are essential components that comprise the skeletal framework of this network. They include subject notification, access to recordings, recording use and retentions as well as fortified technological controls for monitoring and evaluation. 5.1.2 Use of BWCs in Relation To Border Security The ACLU literature has maintained a special focus on the use of BWCs for CBP to evaluate and address the security concerns that arise about protections of the law enforcers and the citizens at large (Richerd, 2014: 4). According to their recommendation, the use of these gadgets will only be effective in the event there is development of a strong policy framework that is geared towards the regulating the recordings as well as protection of privacy of the involved parties. In terms of border security, the sue of BWCs has been held at a high importance owing to the bad reputation the CBP has gained due to its use of force on immigrants (Rushin, 2013.). According to reports done, more than 19 people died in January 2010 following abuse and force by the CBP officials (Richerd, 2014: 5). These findings amongst other worst case scenarios such as the killing of children along the Mexican border has raised concern in the Public eye thus prompting better methods of recording these events through the use of BWC to capture such cases and be used in prosecution of the perpetrators of crime and abuse of human civil rights. 5.1.3 Cost Implications The technological aspect of the device is determinant on the cost of BWCs for CBPs. There also other factors that have been outlined as generally affecting the cost of production and purchase such the quality of the video and audio, placement of the camera as well as recording limits. These gadgets are mainly considered more effectual than In Car Video Camera systems that are immobile (Wilson, et al, 2010: 67). Two specific models have been underlined as being more popular in this department. They are the Vievu and Taser Axon. The fall within the same price range of $900-$1000, though there are other cheaper models such as those produced by Taser for law enforcers that go for $300-$500 (Wilson, et al, 2010: 69). The manufacturing companies also provide other services that have proven resourceful in the law enforcement agencies such as the storage of video records. This service has indeed saved the management the extra cost of developing data storage systems as the companies offer a more affordable option. The National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Centre (NLECTC) System has been one of the major organisations that have spearheaded the use of BWCs as a security practice (Wilson, et al, 2010: 67). This is in alignment with the main functions of the organisation which basically entails provision of technical and scientific support to National Law enforcement Department in any research work that has promise to better improve national and international security of the state . 5.2 Relevance of WBCs The literature mainly touches on the importance of utilization of BWCs that portrays to the other security agencies the relevance of this device. The following are the aspects that make BWCs relevant for usage. 5.2.1 Judicial Process It has been observed that information extrapolated from these devices has been resourceful in providing evidence in judicial proceedings. Various studies have been carried out that through the collaborations of the American Prosecutors Research Institute and National District Attorneys Association to validate the importance of BWCs. The findings illustrate that 91% court cases have utilised camera recordings recorded by in car cameras (Wilson, et al, 2010: 67). According to this board of professionals, it is valid to state that these recordings have been useful in ruling convictions as well as prompting most perpetrators to make guilty pleas due the insurmountable evidence against them made available by the WBCs. 5.2.2 Safety According to NLECTC, officers have been injured while on duty. Some of the reported cases are assault and traffic accidents that have rendered the affected parties incapacitated to perform their duty to the public effectively (Stanley, 2013: 7). Incorporating a camera system as part of their surveillance is guaranteed to reduce such violent incidents and unbecoming behaviour of assaulting officers who are meant to maintain law and order in a societal setting. As previously mentioned, this system is also instrumental in ensuring criminals responsible for placing the lives of police force members in formidable danger are convicted for their crimes as they are easily identified and arrayed in for conviction. 5.2.3 Behaviour Management Installation of BWCs has also improved the accountability levels of officers. According to studies conducted, police misconduct has been one of the most stubborn issues that have contributed to the ruining of reputations of some Police County and State Departments (Jones, Nettle & Bateson, 2011; 174). The introduction of BWCs has seen the reduction of the number of cases reported annually in the United States (Chartrand & Bargh, 1999: 893). The camera recordings have also played a role in acquitting wrongly accused police officers. Literature that has also explicitly expounded on the issue of behaviour management was one done by Michael White in collaboration with the Diagnostic Centre. There has been argument on whether the technological aspect in surveillance has had an impact in the human behaviour and according to police scholars; the true reality is that police and citizens behave better. It is suggested that technology has played the role of promoting compliance to legislative laws such as the Fourth Amendment. According to evaluation done by Rialto, following the inculcation of the BWCs, there has been reduction in the number of cases reported against police (Chartrand, T. L., & Bargh, J. A. 1999: 584). This reduction reached its peak in 2011. This was further validated by findings made as a follow up of the study. Firstly, police who were in shifts without cameras reported twice the number of criminal cases as compared to those wearing BWCs. Secondly, it was observed that the same officers were also more likely to use force even in a non-threat situations with five out of 17 officers recorded to fall prey to this behaviour (Chartrand, T. L., & Bargh, J. A. 1999: 584). Two explanations are likely to justify the reduction in cases of police abuse and citizen misconduct. Firstly, when police officers wear BWCs, they are likely to conduct themselves properly. Secondly, citizens’ behaviours change primarily because they are afraid to have their faces recorded for identification and subsequent court summons in the event they were perpetrating a crime or being confrontational with the law enforcers (Irwin, D 2008: 24). The drop in the case numbers might be due to one of the reasons or a combination of both. This is further validated by a study that was conducted in the Mesa Police Department. The experimental unit consisted of 100 police officers with the focus being evaluation of behavioural changes and attitudes of these law enforcers at various points during their normal surveillance routine. According to the findings, 77% of them emphasized that BWCs ensured they acted both professionally and appropriately when dealing with criminal related issues (Irwin, D 2008: 26). The Mesa study ran for a period of eight months with the variables being 50 police officers wearing BCWs and 50 without the gadgets. This was to evaluate officer behaviour. At the end of the course, the police officers wearing the cameras were involved in only 8 abuse and forces cases as compared to the 23 cases levied against the BWCs non-wearing officers. 5.3 Technology The paper also focuses on providing detailed account of the technology that is used in developing BWCs and the various models that are found in the market and available for use by the police force. According to NLETEC, the WBCs are somewhat a technological partner that ensures the police officer wearing it is protected and guaranteed safety (Harris, 2010: 357). The device captures both audio and video thus providing a platform where the officer is able to record to visualise and hear what is happening. This gadget can be on the head, body, glasses, and pocket, on the dashboard of the car or on the badge. A BWC is able to record the real life situations that police officers are exposed. It offers a solution that compliments satellite surveillance (Harris, 2010: 357). The gadget captures any situation ranging from motor accidents, fires, or rescue mission. The live feed is then made available to operations and monitoring personnel for processing and storage. According to various police scholars, this technology has indeed proven effectual and thus revolutionising situational decision making process and guaranteeing better results at handling emergencies and crimes. This is considered as a step in improving the handling of unlawfulness and crimes in different communities (Northcut, 2007: 256). In the process of acquisitioning the cameras, there different technological aspects that should be considered to ensure the purchased products meets the requirements and policies stipulated by the Police Department. Some of these considerations include battery life, recording limits, night recording, video quality, camera focal width, audio recording, and radio integration capability (Stanley, 2013: 10).The aforementioned factors also affect the costs of the products thus are considered determining factors depending on the financial stand of the Police department as per their fiscal budget. There are recommendations and standards set by the DHS SAVER Wearable Camera Systems that are in accordance with the BWCs set standards of all Police force Boards (Stanley, 2013: 10). These standards ensure that evidence collected and forwarded for judicial processing is valid and substantial. According to research, the mounting process is a serious consideration owing to the differential human anatomy of the police officers. This is because the BWC should record exactly what is transpiring the surrounding s as well as coordinate with the visual of the officer. 5.4 Interaction of Technology And Policing The literature focuses on highlighting some of the issues that have been obstacles in the implementation of the BWCs within the Police Department. In evaluating the relationship that coexists between the BWCs technology as weapon in curbing crime, improving social interactions and providing protection to the police force and policing, there are several issues serve as obstacle in the implementation of these policies (Friend, 2013: 3). It is important to note that, policies play the role of guaranteeing there are no legal implications in cases where privacy and federal state laws have been breached (Assembly, 2013:54). Thus, a detailed analysis is imperative in creating awareness that cuts across the board. Primarily, there is the issue of the appropriate time and locality to record using the BWCs. One of the major issues has been on policies and privacy concerns as well as procedural and operational standards (Bohm, 2006: 127). Issues such as proper training in handling the devices and data storage have been considered important though much importance has been placed on the policies. According to NLECTC, some of the laws of the federal state have been implemented as policies in various police departments. One of the policies prohibits the capturing of images and video of individuals in events whereby their liberal rights allow for privacy (Bush, 2013: 231). This regulation has been observed in several states in the USA in the recent past thus bringing into focus on the how advancement in technology is required to interact with policies that guard the civil rights of the public and the police as well. These policies are put in place to counteract the legal issues that might be implicated in scenario where an individual’s privacy is infringed (Lyon, 2001: 14). According to the literature, the coexisting bridge between policing and training is influenced by the technological aspects that entail the capabilities and features of the WBCs (Bush, 2013: 236). Theoretically, there is also the issue of technology being viewed a driving force which motivates the shift in power in the modern day society. Andrew Feen Berg focuses on elaborating on the depth of this theory through the provision of a framework that captures the confliction that exists between the human population and technology (Bush, 2013: 238). It is viewed as instrumental in infringement of privacy rather than it’s intended to enhance security and contribute to preservation of human life through crime reduction. This conflict of interest has greatly influenced the way through which the society views technology. 5.5 Surveillance Research has been conducted on the impact of surveillance on human interactions and decision-making. One of the distinguishable features is that there has been both negative and positive aspect surrounding this area of study (Bohm, 2006: 134). For individuals that have been brought up in a society that is under surveillance, it is considered a norm rather than invasion of privacy. This is different for other who lack exposure to surveillance and it is reported that they feel as if they are being watched (Northcut, 2007: 254). According to some responses, some individuals are of the opinion that surveillance is a mechanism through which the state manipulates and controls the public. Based on the stated responses, it is evident without no doubt that surveillance evokes varied reception levels from the public (Capers, 2013: 560). Despite the negative reception surveillance has received in some part of the globe, it is stated that it has socially and legally upgraded monitoring and evaluation of human social interactions and thus being useful in crime reduction. It has also been accepted as a social norm as surveillance is not restricted to BWCs but major corporation, business establishments and institutions have embraced the need of this process in the society. 5.6 Adaptation of the force to the new technology There have been various adaptation strategies that have been implemented to ensure the police forces is accustomed to the use of BWCs as a standard component and utility in the equipment category in the department. Some of the most common methods have been through policising laws and regulations that guarantee officers of the law are provided with a BWC that is part of the surveillance and monitoring process at their various workstations (Stanley, 2013:14). Secondly, the policies have been drafted to address varied concerns that arise in handling storage and custody of the device such as The proper command of custody Duration allowed to turn the device on and off Access of the videos recorded during surveillance Procedural action taken when malfunction is detected The aforementioned steps have been taken to improve on the service at the departmental level as well as to make sure the gadgets is properly utilised and the officers in charge acquire sufficient knowledge on its operation thus having a better chance of adapting to its usage. Recommendations Based on the information gathered on the effectuality of the BWCs, it is important to note they have been highly beneficial and thus highlighting the need of inculcating them as a standard officer utility when in the line of duty. These gadgets have also played a crucial role in vindication of officers in cases based on force usage and mishandling of citizens during searches or capture (Capers, 2013: 562). There are several recommendations that have been forwarded as a means through which the usage of BWCs can be improved within the law and order community. One of the suggested recommendations is that agencies should seek out information from other neighbouring departments on usage of the machines prior to implementing their usage in the field. This is imperative for research as it optimises on time and finances (Capers, 2013: 565). Placement of policies and regulations as mentioned previously is also critical prior deployment of officers in the field. 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