While BWC equipment has apparent benefits, body cameras are not a magic cure-all. Some studies have demonstrated that law enforcement officers who wear body cameras use force less often and receive fewer civilian complaints. However, other studies have found little to no difference in the use of force or the rate of complaints about officers with BWC equipment.
Ultimately, the attitudes of individual police departments likely have more of an impact on accountability for police shootings and other uses of force.
However, when police shooting cases occur, BWC equipment may provide valuable evidence for victims, assuming the equipment is correctly used. Attorneys and investigators alike may be able to use body camera footage to better understand the facts, seek justice, and advocate for better policies in the future.