Last year, the government announced that it would allocate RM30 million to implement a body-worn camera for police officers on duty to ensure transparency in law enforcement and prevent officers from being stigmatized by false allegations.
In response, Bukit Aman logistics and technology department director Datuk Sahabudin told that the application had been approved by the technical committee for the procurement of body cameras.
Initially, the cameras will be used by police forces on the front line. For example, the police forces from the Unit Rondaan Bermotosikal (URB, aka the Motorcycle Patrol Unit) and the Unit Kereta Peronda (MPV, Patrol Car Unit) will be the first front-line forces to wear body cameras.
The use of body cameras is aimed at tackling misconduct and corruption in the police force, especially those on the front lines. In addition, it also protects police from being slandered by criminals or irresponsible persons.
In any case, the force currently has more than 120,000 officers, but the limited number of cameras it will buy is a long way from the standard requirement for all officers.
