CoP orders cops to switch on body cams

Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher has instructed all divisional commanders to switch on their body-worn cameras while on duty.

The CoP was responding to a Sunday Newsday story which said officers were not switching on their cameras.

In a release on Monday night, Harewood-Christopher said she has also ordered training of the use of body-worn cameras and intends to buy more.

In 2021, body cameras were introduced to be used by frontline officers to protect them from allegations of misconduct and claims of extra-judicial killings.

The release said the CoP has given "explicit instructions to all divisional heads and heads of units and sections, regarding the mandatory use of body-worn cameras, by officers who were issued with such devices."

A total of 1,120 body-worn cameras have been issued and there is a plan to buy 2,000 more, the statement said.

Harewood-Christopher said, "While at times there may be reluctance to implement new systems and technologies, in this case officers are guided by policy, and as such, any breach of this policy will be met with the requisite disciplinary action.

"I am aware of the importance, value and benefits of body-worn camers, they allow for greater transparency, and lead to faster resolutions of investigations, which in turn builds public trust and confidence in the police."

In response to questions, the Police Complaints Authority said in January 2021, during an investigation into a fatal police shooting during which officers did not activate their cameras, the PCA advised "that measures be put in place to ensure that body-worn cameras be activated when officers are on the patrol and, more importantly, that proper sanctions be effected for the failure to adhere to these measures."

In November 2021, the PCA repeated its recommendations for officers to wear body cameras "when on official police exercises, such as the execution of warrants."

It also said the use of the cameras "would also greatly assist in refuting allegations made against police of unlawful acts during the execution of search warrants."