Learning from the Past: Using Body-Worn Cameras to Improve Organizational Response to Critical Events

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

8:15 AM – 9:30 AM PST

Location: Room: 5AB

Moderator(s)

Thomas Woodmansee

Principal Advisor
CNA Center for Justice Research and Innovation, United States

Speaker(s)

John Markovic

Senior Policy Advisor
U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Beatrice Girmala

Assistant Chief
Los Angeles Police Department, California
Geoffrey Smith

Director (Ret.)
Sturgis Public Safety Department, Michigan
Kelly Martinez

Sheriff
San Diego County, California

After-action reviews (AARs) are detailed examinations of significant events and identify positive practices and gaps in an organization’s response with the goal of improving future responses. AARs also assist in identifying training opportunities and can contribute to officer wellness by examining officer actions and reinforcing positive outcomes. Recent civil unrest events prompted several cities and police departments to conduct AARs to evaluate law enforcement’s response. Body-worn cameras (BWCs) were integral to these reviews, providing assessors with a firsthand view of the events as they occurred. We will discuss the benefits and considerations of using BWC footage in AARs and provide recommendations for incorporating them in organizational reviews of future significant events.