Why Choose
BWC Solutions
"The Growing Adoption of Body-Worn Cameras"
As of 2020, nearly 80% of local police officers in the United States were working in departments that utilized body-worn cameras (BWCs), reflecting a significant rise in adoption since the last comprehensive study conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) in 2016. At that time, 47% of the 15,328 general-purpose law enforcement agencies in the United States had acquired BWCs.
The percentage of law enforcement agencies utilizing BWCs has continued to grow rapidly. In 2023, it was estimated that more than 80% of U.S. law enforcement agencies had adopted BWCs, making it one of the most widely used technologies in law enforcement. This surge in adoption is driven by increasing support for transparency and accountability, as well as a demand for more effective evidence management. The broader use of BWCs also reflects heightened public expectations for law enforcement agencies to uphold higher standards of professionalism, particularly in high-profile encounters.
The implementation of BWCs also aligns with numerous federal, state, and local mandates, as well as funding initiatives that incentivize the adoption of this technology. As BWCs become the standard, they are proving invaluable not only in improving law enforcement practices but also in enhancing officer safety, providing clearer evidence in legal proceedings, and fostering stronger community trust.
As of 2023, eight states—Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, New York, and Oregon—have enacted statewide mandates requiring law enforcement officers to wear BWCs. In addition, another 34 states and the District of Columbia are actively working on or have proposed legislation surrounding BWC use for law enforcement. This number is expected to rise exponentially over the next few years, with all 50 states likely to address this important issue through legislation. This trend indicates a sharp increase in the number of law enforcement agencies developing BWC policies and procuring devices for their officers.
At the federal level, the adoption of BWCs is also gaining momentum. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice directed its agencies to develop BWC policies and begin phased implementation for certain enforcement actions. This mandate is part of a broader effort to increase transparency and accountability within federal law enforcement practices. By 2023, this directive was further supported by the introduction of federal legislation, such as the Federal Police Camera and Accountability Act (H.R. 843), which seeks to require federal law enforcement officers to wear body cameras during certain law enforcement actions.
The movement toward mandatory BWCs usage is accelerating, with both state and federal governments leading the charge. As more agencies adopt BWCs, the expectation is that their use will expand rapidly, helping to improve public trust and ensure greater accountability in law enforcement.
"State and Federal Mandates of Body-Worn Cameras"
"Prosecutors Demand Footage Before Filing Criminal Charges"
In 2016, the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) identified several key reasons why local police and sheriff’s offices adopted BWCs. These included enhancing officer safety, improving the quality of evidence, reducing civilian complaints, and mitigating agency liability. These are just a few of the critical factors prompting law enforcement agencies to implement BWC policies, and with increasing support for transparency and accountability, it’s clear that all agencies will eventually adopt BWCs.
Today, public expectation dictates that all law enforcement agencies utilize BWCs. This expectation is driven by various factors, such as the growing demand for transparency in policing. Prosecutors expect BWC footage to be included in evidence prior to filing criminal charges, while defense attorneys routinely request footage during the discovery process. News organizations frequently submit Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to access video footage of incidents.
Moreover, BWC footage has become a cornerstone of public transparency, with the public demanding clarity and accountability from law enforcement during any public interaction. The use of BWCs not only meets these demands but also helps build trust and strengthen community relations by ensuring that encounters with law enforcement are accurately recorded and readily accessible.
Developing a BWC program—from policy creation to camera procurement to program management—can seem overwhelming for state, county, city, agency or company leaders. However, BWC Solutions is here to guide you every step of the way. With decades of experience in law enforcement leadership, our team has the expertise to help you successfully implement and manage your BWC program
BWC Solutions is your all-in-one BWC provider. Founded by seasoned professionals with extensive subject matter expertise, we are committed to helping agencies and companies enhance their operations through effective BWC integration. Whether you're just considering implementing a BWC program or need expert guidance on improving an existing system, BWC Solutions offers the comprehensive support you need.
From policy development to procurement and long-term program management, our team is dedicated to delivering the most effective and professional BWC solutions.
"Comprehensive Body-Worn Camera Solutions for Your Agency"
Maximizing Efficiency: Outsourcing Administrative Work
Versus
Full Time Employees
The administrative costs of managing a BWC program are often overlooked. While the cost of the devices themselves is a relatively small portion of the overall investment, the true expense comes in the form of video storage, compliance with federal and state privacy laws, redactions and the ongoing management of the program. These elements can add significant costs to an agency’s operations.
In addition to these ongoing costs, responding to public records requests—especially for BWC footage—can be a substantial financial burden. Handling these requests often involves significant time and resources to retrieve, review, redact, and deliver footage in compliance with privacy laws. This process can quickly become overwhelming, particularly as the volume of requests increases. The costs of labor, training, and the technology needed to manage these requests can add up quickly and strain already limited resources.
BWC Solutions offers a streamlined solution to these challenges. Our trained subject matter experts are available to manage your BWC program, provide day-to-day support, or assist your existing team as needed. Whether you need full program management, redaction services, or just occasional assistance, we can tailor our services to fit your unique needs.
In addition, we offer an On-Demand Program, allowing agencies to access our expertise only when required, without the need for long-term contracts. This flexible model means you can scale services up or down based on your immediate needs, reducing both long-term commitments and administrative overhead.
Hiring contractors rather than full-time employees is a smart financial decision for many organizations. Contractors eliminate the need for additional costs such as taxes, benefits, retirement contributions, health insurance, and paid time off. By working with subject matter expert contractors, you can access the expertise needed without the administrative burden, ensuring maximum cost-efficiency and flexibility.