KUALA LUMPUR: Implementing Body Worn Cameras (BWC) for police and other enforcement officers represents a significant step forward in enhancing transparency, accountability and public trust, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said that in an era where law enforcement integrity is paramount, adopting this technology offers numerous benefits while addressing concerns about fairness, safety, and oversight.
"The BWCs provide a reliable record of interactions between officers and the public, helping to build trust and ensure fairness in law enforcement.
"The presence of cameras is a deterrent to misconduct, ensuring that both officers and citizens behave responsibly and high-quality footage serves as critical evidence in legal proceedings, reducing disputes over the facts of an incident," he said when contacted on Wednesday (Dec 18).
He was commenting on The Star's front page report, which highlighted the start of the use of BWCs by the police.
He lamented that knowing that interactions are being recorded can de-escalate potentially volatile situations, enhancing safety for both officers and civilians.
"Footage can be utilised to train officers on best practices and evaluate their performance in real-life scenarios," he added.
While body cameras offer clear advantages, their effectiveness depends on robust monitoring, appropriate usage policies, and strict adherence to protocols.
"Clear policies should be established on when the cameras should be activated, such as during all interactions with the public.
"Mandate automatic activation in specific scenarios, such as during traffic stops or enforcement operations," he added.
Lee said secure storage solutions must be implemented to prevent tampering or unauthorised access to footage.
"Footage retention policies should be clearly defined, balancing privacy concerns with the need for accountability.
"An independent body should be tasked with reviewing footage in cases of complaints, disputes, or use-of-force incidents," he stressed.
He said regular audits must be conducted to ensure compliance with activation and data management protocols.
"Safeguards should be put in place to protect the privacy of individuals in recordings, especially bystanders and minors.
"Redaction software can help anonymise sensitive information when sharing footage for public or legal purposes.
"The public should be informed about the purpose and use of the cameras to foster trust and cooperation while annual reports on the program’s performance and findings should be published," he said.
Lee said officers must be trained not only in operating the cameras but also in understanding their use's ethical and legal implications.
"Training should cover scenarios where discretion is required, such as during sensitive personal matters.
" Strict penalties for intentional deactivation or tampering with recordings must be enforced.
" A whistleblower mechanism should be established for officers or civilians to report any misuse or misconduct involving the BWCs," he said.
Lee said the BWCs are not a standalone solution but a tool to complement ongoing reforms in law enforcement.
"To maximise their impact, their deployment must be coupled with rigorous oversight, public engagement, and continuous evaluation.
"By doing so, we can foster a safer, more transparent environment for both enforcement officers and the communities they serve," he said.
