BODY-WORN CAMERAS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT IN MAINE: A study of best practices and current use

Authors

George Shaler MPH, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Statistical Analysis CenterFollow
Alison Grey, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Cutler Institute for Health and Social PolicyFollow
Lucy Tumavicus, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Statistical Analysis Center
Tara Wheeler, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Catherine Cutler Institute for Health & Social PolicyFollow
Clare Murray, Muskie School of Public Service, Cutler Institute for Health and Social PolicyFollow
Robyn Dumont, Muskie School of Public Service, Cutler Institute for Health and Social PolicyFollow

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

9-2024

Publication Title

Body-Worn Cameras and Law Enforcement in Maine: A Study of Best Practices and Current Use

Abstract

In Maine, local, state, and federal funding has enabled law enforcement agencies to purchase body-worn cameras (BWCs) and implement their use. Today, when high-profile events occur, there is often both an expectation that video footage exists and public pressure on law enforcement officials to release that footage. Civilians view the mere presence of a body-worn camera as the most important tool in the evaluation of allegations of use of force in police-civilian encounters.

At the request of the Attorney General of Maine, Aaron M. Frey, researchers at the Maine Statistical Analysis Center gathered current information on BWC use, policies, costs, and trends in Maine and explored nationally recognized best practices. Researchers surveyed all law enforcement departments (municipal, county, state, tribal, and university/college) statewide, with an overall response rate of 77%. They also interviewed a dozen justice system stakeholders, including law enforcement leaders from a variety of jurisdictions, geographic locations, and department size, as well as prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys, a member of the press, and community members with expertise in advocacy related to mental health, substance use disorder, racial justice, and domestic and sexual violence.

Comments

Peer Review

Julia Bergeron-Smith, Director of the Maine Statistical Analysis Center

Recommended Citation

Shaler, G., Grey, A., Tumavicus, L., Wheeler, T., Murray, C., & Dumont, R. (2024). Body-worn cameras and law enforcement in Maine: A study of best practices and current use. Maine Statistical Analysis Center. University of Southern Maine.