Body Worn Video Camera (BWVC) Pilot Evaluation

This document describes an evaluation of the implementation and impact of Body-Worn Video Cameras (BWVCs) in Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service with the goal of reducing prison violence and improving safety. The evaluation employed a mixed-method approach, including impact and process evaluations, surveys, interviews, focus groups, and action research. Results indicated no statistically significant difference in violence or use of force rates between prisons with BWVCs and those without. However, staff and prisoners generally viewed BWVCs positively, particularly when well-informed about their purpose. The study found that BWVCs could potentially improve staff-prisoner relationships and procedural justice when used transparently and consistently. The evaluation concluded that effective BWVC implementation requires clear communication, comprehensive training, and careful consideration of the psychological impact of exposure to footage. The findings have informed the broader rollout of BWVCs across prisons in England and Wales. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

Lead department
Ministry of Justice (MOJ)
Evaluation stage
A complete evaluation report
Other departments
No other departments listed
Evaluation types
Impact evaluation
Impact methods
Quasi-experimental method
Quasi-experimental methods
Matching
Grant information
This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
Government Major Project information
This intervention is not a major project
Policies
No policies provided

Event Dates

Event Name
Publication of final results
Event date
April 2020

Evaluation Costs

Cost
Not provided

Evaluation sharing

Link(s) to published report(s)
Yes
Links to evaluation plans
No link provided
Links to published evaluations
Findings
Not provided
Permission to share confirmed
Yes