Implementation of the Mandatory Use of Body-Worn Cameras
Implementing a mandatory body-worn camera policy for a medium-sized agency of
40 sworn officers is a major undertaking that requires careful consideration and planning. The
initiative will likely face some resistance and challenges. However, there are also some
potential benefits that body-worn cameras can bring to the agency, including increased
accountability, transparency, and community trust. It will be important to consider the
various organizational theories, behaviors, and cultural factors that may influence the
successful implementation of this policy.

Organizational Theories in Law Enforcement

Organizational theories are important to consider when implementing law
enforcement policies. Several organizational theories apply to law enforcement agencies,
including contingency, bureaucratic, and systems theories. All of these theories suggest that
police officers will make decisions based on their interests and the interests of their
organization.
Bureaucratic Theory
One organizational theory particularly relevant to law enforcement and criminal
justice agencies is the bureaucratic model, which emphasizes the importance of clear rules,
procedures, and hierarchies in achieving organizational goals (Jurek & King, 2020). In
implementing a mandatory body-worn camera policy, it will be important to communicate
the rules and procedures surrounding the use of these cameras, as well as establish a chain of
command for overseeing and enforcing compliance.
Contingency Theory
The contingency model is an organizational theory that suggests that an
organization’s most effective course of action depends on the specific situation it is facing.
This model emphasizes the importance of considering a situation’s unique context and

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circumstances rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach (Jurek & King, 2020). In
implementing a mandatory body-worn camera policy, it will be important to consider the
agency’s specific needs and concerns and tailor the organization’s approach accordingly. For
instance, considering factors such as the type of work, the size of your organization, the
resources available, and the cultural and social context in which the organization operates can
help develop a policy tailored to your specific needs.
Systems Theory
Systems theory suggests that organizations are complex systems with interconnected
parts that work together to achieve a common goal. In a law enforcement agency, this could
be seen in how different units and departments work together to keep the community safe
(Sukardi & Purnama, 2022). In implementing the body-worn camera policy, it will be
important to consider how this new technology will fit into the existing systems and
processes within our agency and to ensure that all units and departments can use and benefit
from the cameras effectively.

Arguments against Body-Worn Cameras and their Solutions
Several arguments can be raised against mandatory body-worn cameras in law
enforcement agencies. These arguments are the primary concerns of the officers during the
implementation of the new policy. Some common arguments include concerns about privacy
and the cost of implementing and maintaining the cameras.
Privacy Concerns
One of the most common arguments against body-worn cameras is the concern that
they will infringe on the privacy of both officers and members of the public (Cross &
Cavallaro, 2020). Some officers may feel that using body-worn cameras infringes on their
privacy and interferes with their ability to perform their duties. Some individuals may feel
uncomfortable being recorded in potentially sensitive situations, such as when interacting

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with law enforcement in their homes or when discussing personal matters. Additionally, there
are concerns that the footage captured by the cameras could be used against officers in a way
that is not fair or accurate.
Possible Solution to the Privacy Concern
In addressing these concerns, it will be important to clearly outline the specific
situations in which the cameras will be activated and to provide clear guidelines for when and
how the footage can be accessed and used. It will also be important to ensure that strong
privacy safeguards are in place to protect the footage from being accessed or used improperly
(Cross & Cavallaro, 2020). Some recommendations for this process include increasing
accountability and transparency and establishing clear guidelines for using and storing the
footage. It may also be helpful to involve officers in developing the policy to ensure their
concerns are considered.
Cost and Logistics Concerns
Another argument may be raised about the cost and logistics of implementing and
maintaining a body-worn camera program. This cost includes the initial value of purchasing
the cameras and the constant value of storing and managing the footage (Putra & Yazid,
2022). Some may argue that these costs are not justified, given the potential benefits of the
cameras.
Possible Solution to the Cost and Logistics Concerns
It will be important to carefully plan and budget for the acquisition and deployment of
the cameras, as well as to establish protocols for storing and managing the footage. Training
and supporting officers in using the cameras may.....

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