Safeguarding Truth: Ensuring the Integrity of Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Footage Against Editing and Tampering

Body-worn cameras (BWCs) are invaluable tools for promoting transparency and accountability in law enforcement. However, the integrity of the footage they capture is paramount. If BWC recordings could be easily edited or tampered with, their reliability as objective evidence would be compromised, undermining public trust and the judicial process. This blog explores whether BWC footage can be edited or tampered with and the measures in place to ensure its integrity.

1. Understanding the Risks

Before delving into safeguards, it’s important to acknowledge the potential risks:

• Intentional Tampering: This includes deliberate attempts to alter footage to misrepresent events, which could be motivated by various factors, including protecting misconduct or manipulating evidence.
• Accidental Editing: Unintentional changes to footage might occur during handling, transferring, or storing the data, leading to questions about its authenticity.
• Technical Vulnerabilities: Like any digital data, BWC footage could be susceptible to hacking or unauthorized access if not properly secured.

2. Technological Safeguards