News Release
CNA Body-Worn Camera Analysis Wins Experimental Criminology Award
Seven CNA analysts have been honored with the American Society of Criminology’s award for Outstanding Experimental Field Trial. The award recognizes work by the CNA Center for Justice Research and Innovation on the topic of body-worn cameras in Loudoun County, Virginia.
The winning paper, Effects of Correctional Body-Worn Cameras on Responses to Resistance: A Randomized Controlled Trial in a Jail Setting, examines the impact that body-worn cameras on correctional deputies have on response-to-resistance events. The paper found that the cameras resulted in a 40 percent decrease in responses-to-resistance compared to periods when deputies did not have cameras. The analysts also observed reductions in the use of physical controls by deputies and the occurrence of resident active resistance when deputies wore cameras. Other published findings from the study include reductions in resident injuries during responses-to-resistance and changes in deputies’ attitudes. The study concluded that body-worn cameras complement evidence collection from stationary closed-circuit television cameras.
“This data-driven analysis is a great example of the impact CNA delivers for government partners,” said CNA Executive Vice President Tim Beres. “Were very proud of the way these analysts built upon our expertise in both corrections and body-worn cameras.”
The team was comprised of CNA analysts Daniel Lawrence, Bryce Peterson, Michael White, Brittany Cunningham, Keri Richardson, Jen Lafferty, and James R. Coldren, Jr. They have already published this research in Justice Quarterly, Justice Evaluation Journal, Journal for Criminal Justice, American Jails, and Corrections Today. The researchers also discuss their work on an episode of the podcast CNA Talks.
"We're incredibly honored to receive this award,” said Dr. Brittany C. Cunningham, the associate director of CNA’s Center for Justice Research and Innovation. “Our study demonstrated that body-worn cameras can be a valuable tool, and we're proud to have contributed this foundational research to the field."
The award is given for an impactful experimental field trial that demonstrates a rigorous experimental methodology implemented in partnership with criminal justice practitioners. To recognize their accomplishment, the Academy of Experimental Criminology has invited the CNA research team to an awards ceremony on November 12, during the American Society of Criminology annual meeting in Washington, DC.
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