BALANCING TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY: PERCEPTIONS OF BODY-WORN CAMERAS IN ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA

Abstract

 This research paper investigates public and law enforcement officers' perceptions of the implementation of Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) in Angeles City, Pampanga. Using a descriptive survey methodology and a comparative approach, the study gathered insights from 219 police officers and 384 members of the public. The results indicate that both groups generally support the use of BWCs for various purposes, such as enhancing transparency, accountability, and security, without significantly affecting officer morale. BWCs are seen as tools to improve law enforcement practices and relationships with the community. Furthermore, the study highlighted the potential benefits of BWCs, including increased cooperation and respect from citizens, reduced aggression and resistance to arrest, and fewer complaints against officers. There were strong agreements between the public and law enforcement on the utility of BWCs. However, some differences in perceptions emerged, with the public viewing BWCs as tools for public oversight, while police officers might perceive them as intrusive. This finding emphasizes the need for robust privacy policies and additional research to fully understand the impact of BWCs. Demographic factors, such as age and education, did not significantly influence perceptions of BWCs. Nevertheless, there was a notable disparity in perceptions based on income, with lower-income individuals more likely to support BWCs. In conclusion, the research underscores the widespread acceptance and potential benefits of BWCs in law enforcement while also emphasizing the importance of balanced policies and the necessity for further research to address concerns and discrepancies in perception. The study provides valuable insights into the role of BWCs in promoting transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system.