People often act differently when they know they are being watched. In fact, research shows that people act differently if they just feel like they are being watch. It's true. A 2010 study found that the mere presence of posters featuring a pair of eyes made it more likely that people would discard their litter in a self-clearing cafeteria.

This phenomenon is often referred to as the Hawthorne or Observer Effect, and it is a primary justification for the use of Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) by police. Though there is little direct research, a study conducted by the Rialto (California) Police Department suggests that BWCs can have a positive effect on police behavior. More...

Today's technology lets us see police activity that may have otherwise gone unseen. Recent high-profile incidents, including fatal shootings by law enforcement in South Carolina and Oklahoma, have many clamoring to see more. This has prompted a push for the mandatory use of Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) by law enforcement officers. The President even proposed funding to increase the use of BWCs nationwide.

Those advocating for the mandatory use of BWCs certainly have a compelling argument. Footage of the fatal Tulsa shooting should, at the very least, trigger an evaluation of current departmental deadly force guidelines and training policies. Though not captured by a BWC, murder charges were filed against the North Charleston (SC) police officer after footage of the fatal shooting surfaced. More...