COPS BEHIND THE LENSES: LIVED EXPERIENCES OF POLICE OFFICERS WEARING BODY-WORN CAMERAS DURING POLICE OPERATIONS

Abstract

Crime and abuse of power are rampant nowadays, police departments globally are resorting to modern equipment, including Body-Worn Cameras. The widespread and growing adoption regarding the effectiveness of body-worn cameras is uncertain, based on random interviews many cases are dismissed because of improper use of body-worn cameras.

This study aimed to explore the experiences of police officers wearing body-worn cameras during police operation in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines utilizing the qualitative approach and phenomenological research design.

Eight informations were gathered from Police Officers of Police Station 1, 2 and 4 of Bacolod City through in- depth- interview and Focused Group Discussion (FGD). Four themes were formulated as to the experiences and strategies of the police officers wearing body-worn camera during police operations namely: Competence Affects Performance, Technical Problems Invalidate Actions and Technology Ensures Credibility and self-familiarization and pro- action.

The difficulties encountered by the police officers who are wearing body-worn camera during police operations arises commonly on the implementation and operation of body-worn camera which allowed them to develop strategies such as self-familiarization and pro-action in order to achieve their objectives. It is necessary to improve both the device and trainings to be provided for police officers particularly those who are assigned in wearing a body-worn camera during police operation to maximize their performance output.