Column

Security and technology

Given the rising cases of abuse of power and authority, and coverups by some policemen, which include the murder of Kian Delos Santos, Sonya Gregorio and Frank Anthony Gregorio, and “alleged murder” of Edwin Arnigo (a person who has autism), the country’s Philippine National Police (PNP) heeded to the demands of human rights groups for accountability and transparency in its operations through the use of body cameras. The deployment of the said gadgets has initially started after the fatal shooting of an off-duty policeman, Hensie Zinampan, who killed the 52-year-old Lilibeth Valdez. 

As of June 4, PNP Chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar said that 600 cops were already trained to use the gadgets. He added that of the 2,696 body cameras in their inventory, four of them have livestreaming capability. For the distribution, 171 police units are eyed to receive the body cameras. However, the PNP insisted that they are still carefully studying the legal implications of the use of such devices due to some privacy and confidentiality issues before its full implementation.

So, what are some of the benefits in the use of such devices?

The innovative reform in the country’s security forces through the future use of body cameras in their operations strengthens both our sense of security, civility, and trust to the police.

Body-worn cameras may increase our sense of security. According to a research conducted in the United Kingdom (as cited by Brett Chapman in 2018), body-worn cameras resulted in positive interactions between officers and citizens and made people feel safer. It also yields to increases in arrests, prosecutions, and guilty pleas, which is a manifestation of efficient mitigation of crimes. 

Body-worn cameras may boost law enforcement credibility by increasing transparency and accountability. In some communities where there is lack of trust and confidence in law enforcement, the use of body cameras provides better police-community relationship by providing better documentation to help identify and confirm the actual happenings during operations. 

Body-worn cameras may also lead to improved rates of public compliance with the police directives during operations, as well as fewer complaints filed against them. Unconsciously, people react in a more civilized manner if their actions are recorded. This may result to better communications between the police and community members in certain situations. 

The integration of body cameras in police operations positively shapes the citizens’ perceptions towards the security forces. Some may have abused their powers and authorities, and others may have stayed true to their mandate, but we need to continue to trust our police officers. Of course, technology may not be perfect, but such reform is a recognition of citizens’ rights and the need for truth, transparency, accountability, and justice. With the devices, may the culture of impunity in the country diminish. Let the abusers face the consequences. Let the perpetrators of injustices become accountable. And may the police motto, “to serve and protect”, stands true and meaningful to all of its officers.