THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has introduced the use of body cameras to enhance the transparency, accountability, and safety of its enforcement officers in the field.
It is the first local authority in the country to put body cameras on its enforcement officers.
In a statement, State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said the move was part of the council’s ongoing steps to strengthen professionalism and build public trust towards their officers when enforcement actions were being carried out.
“The body camera will serve several purposes for our enforcement officers such as to maintain integrity and transparency as the footage will serve as verifiable evidence to support officers’ actions during the course of their enforcement work.”
“Apart from that, it can also help to protect both the enforcement officers and public from any misunderstanding or negative perception that may lead to a conflict. Meanwhile, the footage recordings can also be used as valid evidence for any investigation or legal proceedings,” he said in a statement.
H’ng said the MBPP enforcement department had implemented the first phase of this pilot project by purchasing 15 units of body cameras by October 2023 to be used by traffic wardens besides purchasing 50 units in May to be used by the clamping and towing unit.
He said the council would be adding 50 more units and would continue to increase the quantity of the items as planned by 2025. – September 12, 2024.
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