Ensuring Safety and Security in Prisons with Body Cameras

Every day, prisons and correctional facilities worldwide face the challenge of ensuring the safety and security of inmates and staff. Thankfully, there are some great technological options that have become indispensable tools. One example is body cameras as they’ve proven to be highly effective.

These cameras have become increasingly popular in recent years and for good reason. They offer a unique perspective that stationary cameras fail to capture and provide an accurate account of events. In correctional facilities, body cameras can monitor inmates, prevent violent incidents, and deter illicit activities.

Body camera footage can be used in investigations, disciplinary proceedings, and legal cases. It is particularly useful in cases where inmates make false claims against staff or other inmates. This footage can also identify areas of weakness in prison policies and procedures, enabling administrators to make improvements they were otherwise unaware of.

Another critical aspect of prison body cameras is their ability to deter criminal activities. The mere presence of cameras can be enough to prevent inmates from engaging in violent or illicit behavior. Deterring activities also decrease the use of force in response to these incidents. Additionally, they keep the officers accountable to stay within the policies of interacting with inmates.

According to an Australian research study from 2020, there was widespread support for body-worn cameras, especially because of perceived functionality, implementation, and the training process. The video gathered from body cameras can also be used as an effective training tool to increase safety and better equip your staff with the knowledge they need to run the facility.

When implementing body cameras in prisons, it is crucial to have a comprehensive evidence management system in place. This system must securely store footage, organize it efficiently, and retrieve it quickly when required. An effective evidence management system should be easy to use and handle large volumes of data.

If you would like to learn more about our body-worn camera solutions check out our website to read up on our Bodycam® 4 and here are some related blog articles: 

5 Reasons a Correctional Facility Should Consider a Mobile Video Solution 

Can Body Cameras Reduce Violence in a Correctional Facility