ENHANCING POLICE PATROL OPERATION THROUGH MANDATORY USE OF BODY WORN CAMERA: A PROPOSAL

Abstract

This study aims to determine how the mandatory use of body-worn cameras can enhance police patrol operations. The increasing demand for greater accountability and transparency within law enforcement has led to the widespread adoption of body-worn cameras. High-profile cases involving police misconduct and the use of excessive force have raised public concern and driven legislative efforts and community advocacy for the implementation of this technology. This study explores the potential of body-worn cameras to improve officer performance, community relations, and overall policing effectiveness. The study adopts a descriptive research design to examine the impact of mandatory body-worn cameras on police patrol operations. It focuses on evaluating how the use of these devices affects officer behavior, operational efficiency, and interaction with the public. A total of 40 police officers who regularly use body-worn cameras were selected through purposive sampling due to logistical constraints and the need for firsthand insights. The study gathers quantitative data on the perceived benefits and challenges associated with the use of body-worn cameras in patrol duties. Findings revealed that 35% of the respondents were aged 34 to 41 years, 77.5% were male, and 40% had more than 10 years of service. Regarding the effectiveness of body-worn cameras, respondents strongly agreed that the devices increased community trust (weighted mean = 3.44), improved evidence collection (3.44), enhanced officer behavior (3.46), and promoted greater accountability (3.47). Despite these positive outcomes, all respondents cited challenges such as limited budget, equipment malfunctions, and data storage concerns. Additionally, 90% of the respondents recommended officer training focused on proper recording procedures and chain-of-custody protocols as a primary measure to address these issues. The results indicate that the use of body-worn cameras is perceived as effective in enhancing police patrol operations by building community trust, improving evidence collection, and reinforcing officer accountability. However, several operational challenges remain, including funding limitations, technical issues, and data management. To address these concerns, the study highlights the need for comprehensive training programs that emphasize proper usage, documentation, and data handling practices. These measures are expected to optimize the benefits of body-worn camera implementation in law enforcement.