The de-escalating potential of body-worn cameras: Results from six German police departments

The implementation of body-worn cameras (BWCs) has received increasing attention as a potential tool to reduce acts of violence against police officers (POs). However, scientific studies on the effectiveness of BWCs in protecting POs are limited. This study examined this effectiveness in six German police departments in the state of Thuringia. A repeated-measures design was employed over a 17-week period, collecting data on experienced aggressive attacks through questionnaires after each shift. The shifts were categorized into those with (N = 3609) and without (N = 2661) BWCs. Furthermore, a separate questionnaire was used to collect information on each specific reported event. The results showed that the presence of BWCs had a modest de-escalating effect on the aggressiveness of affected individuals, especially when the recording was activated. However, cooperation decreased in the presence of BWCs. Moreover, BWCs appear to have a more escalating effect on individuals under the influence of intoxicating substances or mental distress. The data obtained in this study do not justify uncritical optimism about the overall de-escalatory effect of BWCs. Nevertheless, the results do indicate that BWCs can have a de-escalatory effect when used in a differentiated manner and in specific situations. •BWC presence reduced aggression situations directed at police officers (POs).•Starting BWC recording had a de-escalating effect regarding aggressiveness.•The presence of BWCs reduced cooperation of affected persons.•The presence of BWCs might escalate interactions with intoxicated people.•Male BWC-carrying POs reported less aggressive situations, females reported more.