PAX Centurion - April / June 2016

www.bppa.org PAX CENTURION • April-May-June 2016 • Page 49 A recent study published in the European Journal of Criminology (euc.sagepub.com ) arrived at the conclusion that the wearing of body cameras by police officers may actually increase assaults against officers and does not reduce police use of force. In this study (also subtitled “Results from a Global multi-site experiment”), which is filled with statistical analysis and scientific discussion, the most important and salient points are contained in the closing discussion. Some of the quotes: “The overall null use-of-force result may dampen enthusiasm of those calling for cameras to be used by all police forces. Some may even see this as justification for body-worn videos to be abandoned altogether”. … “Furthermore, the variability in our results also tells us that the BWV’s (body-worn videos ) worked in some places, some of the time, but did not work in others.” … “By virtue of deterrence alone, BWV’s should increase compliance and, subsequently, less force will be used; yet, BWV’s were found to exacerbate force in some instances .”… “One direct explanation might be that BWV’s escalate an already inflamed police-public encounter, which results in more rather than less force being used. European Journal of Criminology Study: ‘Wearing body cameras increases assaults against officers and does NOT reduce police use of force’ It might be that when BWV’s are introduced into some ongoing police-public interactions, the suspect, officer, or both become more aggressive.”… “Our second result concerning the increase in assaults against the police -unexpected as it was- also demands attention. Does this mean that officers should be advised to remove BWV’s immediately? If the results are accepted uncritically, that is, that BWV’s increase the likelihood of assaults against officers, then this might be the conclusion one comes to. However, we cannot rule out alternative explanations at this point… First (yet un-evidenced) is the idea that with an “objective” record of events, officers may feel more able (or compelled) to report instances when they are assaulted. Second, officers may be less assertive (“toned down”) because of monitoring, and this could make them more vulnerable to assault.” (Officers sometimes deal with people who would very much like to do them – and others – harm).” Finally, increased assaults against police may also be a corollary of the decreased use of force in some instances. Whereas police may have taken a tit-for-tat approach – using force when assaulted as a form of “natural justice” – cameras may inhibit the reactive use of force….” Representing and providing counsel to members of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association since 1993 regarding critical incidents, criminal and departmental investigations, and civil rights matters. Many members have also sought our guidance and representation in a wide variety of matters, particularly personal injury claims on behalf of injured officers and/or their family and friends. We also provide representation in criminal and civil litigation, real estate and estate planning. We invite you to learn more about Byrne & Anderson, L.L.P. by visiting our website – ByrneAnderson.com JAMES E. BYRNE KENNETH H. ANDERSON ERIC S. GOLDMAN • JONATHAN E. TOBIN • PETER D. PASCIUCCO 50 Redfield Street, Boston, MA 02122 (617) 265-3900 • Fax (617) 265-3627