KUALA LUMPUR: If you get stopped by a policeman and there is a green light blinking on his left chest, beware – you are on camera!
And there will be no getting away with any hanky-panky.
After years of planning, police are finally being equipped with more than 7,000 bodycams, better known as Body Worn Cameras (BWCs).
The implementation of the BWCs will be done nationwide in stages, with frontline personnel – the patrol and traffic units – getting priority.
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“It started with the police contingents in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor on Oct 15 followed by Perlis on Nov 15 and Johor on Dec 10,” said Comm Datuk Wan Hassan Wan Ahmad, Bukit Aman’s Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director.“So far 2,760 BWCs have been distributed as of Dec 10.
“For other police contingents, the process of registering user IDs for the purpose of check-ins of the use of the cameras is still ongoing,” he told The Star recently.
The full nationwide roll-out for all 7,648 BWCs will be completed by March next year.
“They will be available at 157 district police headquarters and 640 police stations nationwide.
“The distribution of the cameras will prioritise officers and personnel with the Mobile Patrol Vehicle (MPV) and the Motorcycle Patrol Units (URB) as well as those with the department who are conducting crime prevention patrols.
“They will also be distributed to Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department officers conducting traffic enforcement duties.
“BWCs will also be used in other police operations on a case-by-case basis,” he added.
Comm Wan Hassan said a successful pilot run was conducted from June 9 to July 14 at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor police contingents.
The cameras were able to capture all the action of police officers along with their location when they interacted with the public, he said.
“It (BWC use) can elevate the image of the police force and increase people’s confidence in the police. It also improves transparency,” he added.
All those assigned with BWCs will be provided ample training prior to using it, he said.
“The BWCs will also be able to record up to eight hours of audio and video and there is a green light indicator (on top of the device) showing that it is switched on.
“Each user is equipped with a special BWC ID while on duty. Failure to switch on the BWC while on duty will result in disciplinary action,” he explained.
Those wearing BWCs are required to keep them on throughout their shift except during prayers or when going to the toilet.
“The video and audio recordings (from the BWCs) can be used as evidence in an investigation or prosecution.
“It can also protect the police and people from any baseless allegations.
“The BWCs will not only be able to curb wrongdoing and integrity problems among MPV and URB personnel, but also protect them from unwarranted criticism while going about their duties.
“We hope it will increase the integrity of those on duty and curb any possible wrongdoing or misdemeanours,” he added.
Asked if there were plans to expand the use of the BWCs to other police divisions and units, Comm Wan Hassan said plans were in the pipeline.
“However, we will need additional funds make these plans a reality,” he said.
Comm Wan Hassan said the police would move forward with the use of the latest technology in line with modern policing to curb and prevent crime.
“With technology advancing further, police work has become more challenging. I hope the BWCs would be able to improve the integrity of those in the force and increase the ‘feel safe’ factor among the public,” he added.
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