Transparency and Modernization - Police: Body-Worn Cameras Arrive

The police are beginning the operational phase for the introduction of body-worn cameras this year. This system, which combines technology and transparency, is now awaiting the finalization of a strict legal and procedural framework.

It is now official: body-worn cameras are coming into play. The Prime Minister's Office confirms that the project is entering its operational phase for deployment later this year. Amid legal adjustments and technical preparations, the law enforcement agencies are working to finalize this new system.

In this context, the police commissioner has established a technical committee tasked with working on the necessary amendments to the relevant legislation, as well as developing standard operating procedures governing the use of body-worn cameras and electric stun guns (tasers). This approach aims to create a clear framework that complies with legal requirements before any operational deployment.

From a legal standpoint, a formal step was taken on November 7, when the Attorney General's office was officially tasked with working on amendments to the relevant laws. The goal is to establish "an appropriate legal framework for the use of body-worn cameras."

Alongside this legislative work, the police commissioner, with the support of the technical committee, is examining several operational aspects of the project. These include the technical specifications of the equipment and their financial implications, identifying police units that will be equipped with both body-worn cameras and tasers, and defining the standard operating procedures that will govern their use in the field.

The command center will be able to monitor officers live.

In terms of equipment, the police already have a significant hardware base. They possess 4,500 EP820 radios equipped with cameras capable of recording videos. The envisioned system will allow the footage captured by these devices to be stored on the Government Online Centre's servers. Additionally, "the Main Command Centre of the Police Department will be able to simultaneously view or receive live streams of the videos recorded by the body-worn cameras, thus enabling real-time monitoring of operations," as stated from the Treasury Building.

Logistical aspects are also being managed internally. The straps designed to support and secure the cameras on officers are currently being manufactured in-house by the police, which allows them to anticipate some material needs even before the system goes live.

According to information from the Prime Minister's Office, the deployment of body-worn cameras will occur "immediately after" the legal and operational frameworks are finalized. This coordination between legal, organizational, and technical preparation suggests a quick implementation once the final approvals are obtained. Therefore, a rollout is expected within a few months.

The issue of bodycam usage by law enforcement is part of a wider debate on police modernization, public action transparency, and respect for fundamental rights. In recent years, whether from certain criminal defense lawyers, NGOs, or within the Alliance for Change, the introduction of bodycams has been a recurring demand, aimed both at protecting police officers in the performance of their duties and preventing misconduct.

The announced introduction of body-worn cameras comes in a context where police interventions, arrest procedures, and the use of force are often subject to controversy. However, Mauritian legal frameworks, particularly regarding data protection, privacy, and audiovisual evidence, require that any use of recording devices by the police be strictly regulated by law and clear operational procedures.

In this perspective, the authorities have conditioned the implementation of bodycams on the adoption of legislative amendments and the establishment of precise protocols defining the circumstances for activation, storage, access, and use of the footage. This approach also aims to equip certain units with additional means while harmonizing practices within the police force.

Internationally, the use of body-worn cameras by police forces has gradually become widespread over the past decade in many countries, including in Europe, North America, and Australia. These devices have been introduced in various contexts, often following public debates on police accountability, public order management, and abuse prevention.

In several jurisdictions, body-worn cameras are presented as tools aimed at documenting police interventions, enhancing the traceability of actions, and providing factual evidence in case of disputes or legal proceedings. Their deployment, however, has been accompanied by strict regulatory frameworks concerning personal data protection, the duration of record retention, and the conditions under which authorities or concerned parties can access the footage.

International experiences also show that the effectiveness of body-worn cameras largely depends on the rules governing their use, the training of officers, and the institutional and social acceptance of these tools. In several countries, their introduction has required legislative adjustments and debates on the balance between public safety, transparency, and individual liberties.