Open AccessMeasuring Procedural Justice Policy Adherence During Use of Force Events: The Body-Worn Camera as a Performance Monitoring Tool
Author(s) -
Victoria A. Sytsma,
Eric L. Piza,
Vijay F. Chillar,
Leigh S. Grossman
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
criminal justice policy review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.993
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 1552-3586
pISSN - 0887-4034
DOI - 10.1177/08874034211021894
Subject(s) - procedural justice , officer , economic justice , general partnership , decree , use of force , psychology , political science , task force , public relations , public administration , law , international law , neuroscience , perception
This study capitalizes on a successful researcher–practitioner partnership to conduct a systematic social observation (SSO) of police body-worn camera (BWC) footage in Newark, NJ. To demonstrate the utility of BWCs as performance monitoring tools, we measure officer adherence to procedural justice standards throughout use of force events as mandated in the Newark Police Division’s updated policies pursuant to an ongoing federal consent decree. Overall, a slim majority of use of force events are procedurally just. However, results indicate several instances of policy noncompliance. Results are discussed, and policy recommendations related to procedural justice policy violations and BWCs for performance monitoring are provided.