Police Visibility: Privacy, Surveillance, and the False Promise of Body-Worn Cameras

Police Visibility explores how police officers navigate the information politics of surveillance and visibility generated by body cameras and civilian recordings, arguing that body-worn cameras are an evolution in police image work and state surveillance expansion. Newell suggests that robust information law and policy are needed to empower citizens to monitor and regulate the police.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2021
Publisher: University of California Press

Police visibility presents a comprehensive exploration of the profound impact of body cameras on police officers, encompassing both their experiences and strategies in navigating the intricate realm of surveillance and visibility. Through empirical research, the book delves into the intricate dynamics between privacy, free speech, and access to information law, shedding light on how these factors intertwine with the introduction of body cameras into police routines. Author Newell argues that body-worn cameras, rather than being perceived as emancipatory systems of police oversight, represent a significant evolution in police image work and the expansion of state surveillance.

Throughout the book, Newell meticulously catalogs the various ways in which surveillance generates information, emphasizing the importance of understanding the control and dissemination of this information in shaping power dynamics and potentially contributing to state dominance. He raises crucial questions about the ethical implications of widespread surveillance and the potential erosion of individual rights.

In response to these concerns, Newell advocates for robust information law and policy that empowers citizens to monitor and regulate the actions of the police. He emphasizes the need for transparent and accountable mechanisms to ensure that police officers are held accountable for their actions and that citizens have access to information about police activities. By placing the power to monitor and regulate the police in the hands of citizens, Newell aims to foster a more democratic and equitable society.

Police visibility offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between technology, policing, and societal values. It sheds light on the challenges and opportunities that arise as police officers navigate the evolving landscape of surveillance and visibility. Through its empirical research and thoughtful analysis, the book provides a roadmap for policymakers, police officers, and citizens alike to navigate this critical issue and promote a safer and more just society.

Weight: 352g
Dimension: 229 x 153 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520382909