Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher has given explicit instructions to all Divisional Heads in the TTPS to enforce the mandatory use of body cameras by officers.

The Commissioner’s order comes on the heels of a call from the Police Complaints Authority for officers to be mandated to turn their body cameras on while on duty.

To date, there are 1,120 officers who have been issued with these devices.

Commissioner Harewood-Christopher has also ordered training on the use of body cameras and added that there are plans to purchase 2,000 more devices.

Commissioner 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”.