Using problem-oriented policing to address police problems through the study of body-worn camera footage

Abstract

Herman Goldstein’s concept of ‘problem-oriented policing’ (POP) emphasized data gathering, analytics, and pattern identification to allow police to more effectively address problems faced by citizens in their communities. One of the most pressing problems in modern policing, however, is how departments should respond to accusations that police are not fair and consistent in their dealings with the public. In this article, the research team examined 1 year of officer body-worn camera footage, to create a roadmap of how the scanning, analysis, response, and assessment method of POP can be utilized to address public concerns by assessing and addressing how police interact with the public.