POLICE officers who have been issued body worn cameras are mandated to wear them once in active duty.
The mandate comes from Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher who has ordered training on the use of the cameras.
In a release by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) on Monday, the TTPS stated that training will continue as further cameras are issued to police officers.
“The Commissioner also gave 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,” the TTPS stated.
To date 1,120 devices have been issued, and the TTPS plans to purchase 2,000 devices.
Harewood-Christopher said that 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.
The CoP also added, “I am aware of the importance, value and benefits of body worn cameras, they allow for greater transparency, and lead to faster resolutions of investigations, which in turn builds public trust and confidence in the police.”
