Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed has stated the newly introduced body-worn cameras will play a major role in holding officers accountable. He made the remarks at the ceremony held to inaugurate the use of 200 body-worn cameras for front-line policing.
At the ceremony, Commissioner Hameed said body-worn cameras are already being used in other countries and that it greatly assists in police work and reducing crime. The commissioner noted the Maldives Police Service (MPS) had been unable to introduce body-worn cameras earlier due to the financial difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he said MPS has established policies regarding the use of body-worn cameras and trained officers accordingly.
He also said the body-worn cameras will assist in holding officers accountable as well as protect them from baseless accusations. He added officers are currently using body-worn cameras in the Greater Male' Region and Addu City but that MPS is working to obtain 1,200 more body-worn cameras to expand the initiative to all regions of the country.
Also at the ceremony, Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology Aminath Shauna said the body-worn cameras will allow MPS to hold itself accountable and maintain public trust. She noted body-worn cameras are used by developed countries and that the use of the technology will contribute greatly to the fight against crime.
A total of 200 body-worn cameras will be used by front-line police officers, which will allow MPS to record video and audio as well as monitor police operations live.
Introducing body-worn cameras is part of the strategic organisation reform and transformation initiative. The purpose of introducing body-worn cameras is to allow uphold the standards of MPS by recording crucial information and monitoring police operations.