00:00The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association is seeking to make it clear.
00:06The association is in support of officers using body cameras.
00:11However, association president ASP Pitts says there are some challenges with the current equipment.
00:18The Police Association is pro-body cameras for the purpose of transparency and in keeping with modern policing practices, principles,
00:33the whole issue of what we consider as police legitimacy and, you know, maintaining that public image that is consistent
00:45with partnership.
00:48Yes, we have had some challenges, and I'm saying we, meaning the police officer on the ground, regarding the body
00:56cams that are presently in existence,
00:59ranging from the battery life of the devices to its practicality given the demands for policing.
01:07And as such, you know, cameras that are to be outfitted should be fit for purpose in order that it
01:19serves its particular objective.
01:22Nevertheless, the association says officers do utilize the existing equipment.
01:29Of course, body cams are being used, but the findings of body cam footage is not necessarily placed in the
01:42public domain.
01:43It's placed in the courthouse where it is considered in terms of its evidential value.
01:49So, yes, the body cams are being used.
01:52The association would also like equal emphasis to be placed on procuring bulletproof vests and other equipment to protect and
02:01safeguard officers in the line of duty.
02:04We are also very much advocating for police officers to be provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment in order
02:16that officers are properly well secured when engaging policing activities that can turn dangerous at a moment's notice.
02:27Renessa Cutting, TV6 News.
Comments