Police Body Camera in Plan: Minister Pio Tikoduadua
“For now, this is to cover the gaps, there are hundreds of cameras there already but we need more. Cameras are good, it develops the consciousness for people to realise that there is someone watching them,” he said.
Friday 14 July 2023 | 14:10
Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua. Photo: Parliament of Fiji. An example of a Police body camera.
Acquiring body cameras for its personnel is part of the long-term plan for the Fiji Police Force.
During deliberations of the Committee of Supply in Parliament, Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua said the ministry was getting specialised equipment that police would need as part of international requirement about arrests.
Body camera is a small video camera worn on the body, typically used by police officers to, among other things record arrests and evidence from crime scenes.
Related stories
Mr Tikoduadua said they were only acquiring four units.
“People complain when they are mishandled by police,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
“Cameras on their vest to increase transparency, accountability of the force and of course the relationship by the force to abide by the law."
Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar also raised the need for more CCTV cameras in the streets of cities and towns.
“I would like to suggest, while I appreciate that we have police beat patrol, which I understand is foot patrol, we need cameras and we need municipal councils to work with police on having these installed,” Ms Kumar said.
Minister Tikoduadua said that was the idea, to have eyes everywhere.
“For now, this is to cover the gaps, there are hundreds of cameras there already but we need more."
"Cameras are good, it develops the consciousness for people to realise that there is someone watching them,” he said.
“But it’s not going to stop them from doing something."
"Police on the ground will actually help because presence does the job.”
Story by: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj
