The Feasibility of Using Body Worn Cameras in an Inpatient Mental Health Setting

Abstract

BWCs are used internationally by police officers. A randomized controlled field trial carried out in the USA suggested that police BWCs reduce the prevalence of use-of-force by the police as well as the incidence of citizens’ complaints against them [2]. In England, an evaluation of their use in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight also showed a reduction in complaints, and a decrease in occurrences and crimes [3]. In their 2015 report regarding the use of body worn cameras in health care settings, the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) Foundation [1] describe some examples in the United Kingdom which claim that the use of BWCs on security officers can decrease violence in health facilities [4]. However, there are no published evaluations available to support these claims. A report from the Greater London Authority in 2014 [5], found that nearly 66,000 frontline workers, including nurses, were recipients of physical or verbal attacks in the past three years and recommended the trial of body worn cameras to see if they assist in reducing crimes against workers.