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Abstract

Research and initiatives to tackle domestic abuse have long been discussed by academics and practitioners (Choi, 2009). Figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reveal that 77% of domestic abuse prosecutions resulted in convictions between March 2018 and March 2019 (Office for National Statistics, 2019). This is highest rate since 2010 (Office for National Statistics, 2018). It is contended by organisations such as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that these increases can to an extent be attributed to officers wearing body worn cameras (BWCs) when investigating domestic abuse incidents (Crown Prosecution Service, 2017). This study examines the impact of body worn video (BWV) evidence in domestic abuse investigations employing the opinions of police officers to evaluate its value, this being because they utilise the equipment daily and are therefore primary witnesses to the impact they have.
A review of literature revealed a consensus of favourable opinions towards BWCs. To a lesser extent, issues with technology hampering investigations revealed itself to be a factor, along with both beneficial and detrimental outcomes for victims and the possibility of over-reliance on BWV evidence diminishing the police officer role.
A small scale study was then conducted using a sample of the police officer demographic. The results to a certain point mirrored the results of the literature review, however the issue of technology limitations revealed itself to be a more significant issue than originally perceived. In contrast, with regards to prosecutions, the study indicated a far more favourable opinion of BWV evidence being used in domestic abuse cases. The final outcome of note highlighted the level of concern regarding the potential of BWV evidence displacing police officer evidence.
It was concluded that whilst the use of BWCs is moving towards the direction of positively impacting domestic abuse investigations, further research and improvements are required to maximise its potential.

Course: Crime and Criminology - BSc (Hons) - C2113P

Date Deposited: 2020-11-25

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13624.html