Body Worn Video Camera Field Trial to begin
Pursuant to the Force's commitment to continuous improvement in serving the community, the Force will commence a six-month trial using body worn video cameras on March 11. These cameras have been utilized around the world to good effect and will further ensure transparency in all that the Force does. The cameras will be tried out firstly by officers attached to the Emergency Units of New Territories North and Kowloon West, as well as the Police Tactical Unit of Hong Kong Island.
The Force has chosen a camera that is purpose built and was selected from a range of cameras following assessment by frontline officers. The camera is a small device that will be attached to the officers' outer clothing on the shoulder. It has a screen facing outwards and when activated will provide a real time visual and audio record of any member of the public's interaction with an officer. Prior to activating the camera to record mode, officers are required, as far as practicable, to give a warning that the camera will be activated. Detailed standard operating procedures have been devised, and a training programme will be conducted by PTU Headquarters to ensure officers' familiarity with the camera's mode of operation.
The principle benefit afforded by the camera is that it will bring about an improvement to the Force's evidence capturing capability and thereby ensure even greater professionalism in meeting officers' statutory duties. Furthermore, the cameras will ensure greater transparency in the investigation of all incidents, including complaints, as recordings will ensure that a real time visual and audio record of events as they have unfolded will be available to the investigating officer.
The Force involved various stakeholders in preparing for the field trial including Department of Justice, Independent Police Complaints Council and District Fight Crime Committees. The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data has been informed of the safeguards adopted by the Standard Operating Procedures to comply with data protection principles. The cameras will not be deployed during intimate searches or examination of materials with legal privilege. In public places, it is intended to deploy the BWVC in confrontational scenarios or where a breach of the peace has occurred, or is likely to occur. It is not intended for use in private residential flats except where violence has occurred, or is about to occur.
In order to address the concerns of internal as well as external stakeholders, Support Wing has launched an extensive communication plan to raise officers' awareness of this initiative prior to commencement of the field trial. A briefing for staff association representatives was held on February 22. On the same day, a press conference was held to announce the field trial. An Information Sheet has been uploaded onto the Police Public Page in order to keep the public fully informed of the trial. An Implementation Team will closely monitor the field trial, after which a thorough evaluation will be conducted..
The field trial will
commence on March 11