PETALING JAYA: It’s not enough for police personnel to wear Body Worn Cameras (BWC), as periodic assessments are equally important to evaluate the effectiveness of the measure, say crime prevention and anti-graft groups.
Training courses and internal reviews need to be done every six months to improve BWC implementation, they say.
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Still, it is a step in the right direction towards enhanced transparency, said Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice-chairman Datuk Seri Ayub Yaakob who described the BWC rollout as “long overdue”.
“BWC procurement must also include a budget for maintenance and spare parts,” he said.
Ayub said strict guidelines must be in place for BWC use, stressing the importance of training the personnel to use the system effectively.
BWC usage, he said, can improve trust levels between the public and police.
“At the same time, police personnel will have protection against false accusations,” he said.
Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) president Dr Muhammad Mohan echoed calls for a continuous assessment of the programme’s effectiveness.
“This includes addressing technical issues and ensuring that the footage is used appropriately. Most importantly, the police must transparently report the system’s effectiveness,” he said, adding that interactions at police stations also need to be recorded.
BWCs, he said, can also help deter corrupt practices.
“They provide reliable evidence that can be used in investigations and prosecutions, making it harder for corruption to go unnoticed,” he said.
There were concerns, though, about the privacy of individuals being recorded, especially in sensitive situations.
“There is a risk that footage can be selectively used or manipulated,” he said.
“It is important to address these concerns through clear policies and monitoring to ensure their effectiveness,” he added.
Criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy said strict protocols must be in place when implementing BWC use.
“Privacy concerns must be comprehensively addressed with the footage used only for its intended purpose and stored securely,” said Sundramoorthy, who is with Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Policy Research.
He said the data generated must not be tampered with.
“Clear guidelines on when the cameras should be activated and how the footage is handled is essential,” he said.
He said recorded footage can also be used as training material for new officers.
“By analysing real interactions, police departments can better train officers on de-escalation tactics, communication and effective response.
“Video footage provides an unbiased account of events that can be used in legal proceedings,” he said.
“In contentious situations, the footage can act as evidence to support an officer’s version of events.
“With careful planning and adherence to best practices, Malaysia can be a strong example for other nations in South-East Asia,” he said.
