Police Force gets 5,000 body cameras 

The Guyana Police Force on Tuesday got 5,000 body cameras, an investment intended to improve police work locally.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali handed over the cameras to the Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, at State House, the Head of State’s official residence.

The President described the cameras as “high-tech” and assured citizens that their use will improve Police Officers’ conduct and make them more accountable.

“It also gives us an opportunity to have what I always speak about, traceability of conduct from the citizenry and the Police.

“… So there is absolutely no excuse whatsoever from the Guyana Police Force of our men and women in the field not being equipped with these cameras when conducting their duties,” the President said.

Police body cameras provide visual and audio evidence that can independently verify events.

Ranks using body cameras are guided by Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 1- of May 2015.

This sets out guidelines and procedures for the use, management, access, retention and handling of evidence, storage and retrieval of recorded media captured by PVR equipment during the execution of official duties.

Among its purposes, the body cameras can be used to document law enforcement officials’ interactions with victims and witnesses during police-public encounters, arrests and critical incidents.