Body-Worn Cameras and the Police Institutional: The Brazilian Discussion

Surveillance has gained significant attention from researchers and activists in recent years, largely due to advancements in digital technologies and the proliferation of the internet and mobile networks. This evolution has reshaped not only data processing and institutional actions but also social relations. Surveillance now relies on a digital infrastructure that supports extensive, rapid, and distributed computing systems across various sectors, fueled by the active participation of millions who contribute to its growth, often unknowingly.

Current debates center on the boundaries of surveillance and privacy, with notable examples illustrating the ongoing struggles in this realm. The integration of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and data monitoring tools in social institutions is a defining feature of contemporary society. In Brazil, this is particularly evident in public security, where technologies like facial recognition and body-worn cameras are hotly debated.

The use of body-worn cameras in Brazil's police forces is presented as a means to enhance police operations, reduce abuses of power, and address the high incidence of deaths involving law enforcement. Despite claims of potential social benefits, critical analyses reveal conflicting narratives around police accountability and the broader implications of surveillance.

This research aims to review studies on body-worn cameras in Brazilian social sciences over the past five years. The bibliographic search focused on Humanities literature, incorporating Latin American experiences alongside American and Canadian studies. Journals and platforms like Scielo, CAPES Periodicals, and Google Scholar were utilized, alongside theses and conference proceedings. Key search terms included "body worn cameras" and its Portuguese equivalents.

Preliminary findings indicate that studies on body-worn cameras in Brazil are still emerging, often polarized between those highlighting increased surveillance risks and those advocating for their potential to reduce police violence, revealing an ongoing narrative dispute.