A Study on the Impact of Body-Worn Cameras on Inmate Misconduct in the Loudoun County, VA Adult Detention Center

The applicant proposes to implement a cluster randomized experiment to test the effectiveness of body worn cameras (BWCs) in the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center (LCADC). The LCADC has approximately 200 correctional officers and a capacity of 480 inmates. The LCADC has provided BEC’s to its SWAT unit and will be implementing BWC’s throughout the jail in 2019.

The proposed study will examine how the implementation of BWC technology affects a range of critical outcomes including correctional officer safety, prevalence of serious events, cost savings, and inmate violence and misconduct. The current project includes a mixed method design to conduct both process and outcome evaluations. Interviews and focus groups will be used to modify research instruments and inform implementation of the research design.

Randomization of the BWCs will occur by housing unit (n=16) and will change monthly, as staff are reassigned to different units on a monthly basis. The research team will monitor BWC use to ensure proper usage. Following the 12 month period of randomization of BWCs, additional interviews and surveys will be conducted similar to the ones just prior to the research period. Interrupted time series and t-tests will be used to examine change over time.

"Note: This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law," and complies with Part 200 Uniform Requirements - 2 CFR 200.210(a)(14).

CA/NCF