Frontline prison officers begin using body-worn cameras

Frontline officials working at prison facilities of the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) have begun using body-worn cameras.

According to MCS, the body-worn cameras will also be used in operations by ESG officers.

MCS signed the agreement with ‘Zeta Technologies’ to distribute and import body-worn cameras to launch a trial for prison officers to begin using them, back in February.

‘Zeta Technologies’ will be importing and distributing body-worn cameras produced by Axon, an American company. Zeta Technologies will be supplying 15 body-worn cameras and three tasers to MCS.

This was met by the launching of training sessions to ensure prisons officers responsibly use the tasers and train themselves for the situations that may arise.

The equipment will be used by prison officers working on the frontlines of prison complexes. The authority revealed that the use of such modern equipment and technology will make prison officers more responsible and make them accountable to their actions.

Further, the authority revealed that this was an important step to ensure the safety of inmates, as well as prison officers.

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) introduced them across the Greater Malé Region and southernmost Addu City in February as well.

The programme was launched under an initiative by the Commissioner of Police, Mohamed Hameed in 2019, in a bid to bring technological advancements to the police institution.

The institution in 2019, conducted a pilot training programme for the use of body cameras by the force as well. A technology test was also carried out where frontline officers wore the devices. It has taken two years to officially introduce the devices to the police force.

The launching of the devices to the Maldives police force meant that the institution has reached newer heights in technology, to ensure the protection of the Maldivian people.

As predicted by the Police Commissioner, the use of the devices is expected to further strengthen and advance the police force and reduce public criticism towards police wrongdoings in public communications. This is also expected to increase the trust the public has towards MPS.

During his presidential address at the inaugural session of the People’s Majlis on 3 February 2022, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had assured that the police officers on-field would begin using body-worn cameras within the month.

As such, noting that a modern policing philosophy is currently in place in a bid to further strengthen the police institution and hold it accountable, the president announced that on-field officers will begin the use of body cameras through February 2022.

He stated that the government’s aim is to increase public confidence in the police institute and that they have always worked resiliently to safeguard the property and lives of Maldivians.