Cops to use bodycams from Oct, capable of detecting misconduct
The BWC are capable of recording movements at the location and does not have the function to delete any recordings.
KUALA LUMPUR - The use of body-worn cameras (BWC) by officers and members of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in the field will be recorded and can track those suspected of involvement in misconduct and integrity issues.
Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPJKK) Director Datuk Wan Hassan Wan Ahmad said BWC is capable of recording movements at the location and does not have the function to delete any recordings.
"Each user (officer, member wearing BWC) will be provided with a special ID during assignments.
"BWC can record video and audio for up to eight hours of duty and will be used as evidence of conversations and actions of wrongdoers (individuals being inspected)," he said when contacted on Wednesday.
Wan Hassan said that BWC will also be listed as mandatory during assignments.
"It is a violation of discipline for any officer or police officer who fails to comply with the instructions for using BWC, especially for Mobile Patrol Vehicle (MPV) and Motorcycle Patrol Unit (URB) officers.
"To ensure that the instructions for the use of BWC are fully implemented, the standard operating procedure (SOP) for its use is ready and is in the process of being updated to be announced to all levels of police officers across the contingents," he said.
Wan Hassan said BWC not only handles cases of misconduct and integrity among MPV and URB officers but also protects them from accusations during assignments.
"The use of BWC can also enhance the integrity of police officers, as it can prevent and reduce misconduct and enhance the sense of security among the public," he said.
Police expected to start using body cameras in October
Police are expected to receive 7,648 units of BWC in stages from September to February 2025.
Wan Hassan said that the receipt was based on the Letter of Acceptance issued by the Home Minister on Tuesday.
"The BWC is for the MPV and URB assignments under JPJKK and will also be expanded for assignments by the Investigation and Traffic Enforcement Department (JSPT)," he said when contacted on Wednesday.
Wan Hassan said that the BWC will be placed in 157 district police headquarters (IPDs) and 640 police stations across the contingents and its use would be phased in starting October this year.
"For now, we estimate the BWC to be fully used by MPV and URB officers in March 2025.
"To ensure that all MPV and URB officers are proficient in handling BWC, training on its use will be conducted from March 2025 to December 2025," he said.
He added that police, as the sole agency for the country's public safety, is adopting the latest technology in line with modern policing.
"In line with technological developments and increasingly challenging police assignments, I hope that the use of BWC can improve good governance in crime prevention patrols among MPV and URB officers," he said.
Wan Hassan said that the use of BWC would further enhance the image of police among the public as its recordings could be used as evidence in court.
"In addition, it can serve as evidence in any criminal case, including cases involving officers falsely accused while enforcing the law," he added.
