A police body camera, also called a bodycam, is a small device worn by law enforcement officers to record audio and video footage during their duty. It captures interactions and incidents, equipped with features like high-definition recording, built-in microphones, and wide-angle lenses. Body cameras aim to provide an unbiased record of encounters, enhance transparency, and collect evidence for investigations, complaints, and training.
To enhance the professionalism of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the government has decided to start equipping the police force with bodycams as well.
FMT reports that Sahabudin Abd Manan, the Director of Logistics and Technology Department at Bukit Aman, stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) is currently carrying out the procurement process for approximately 7,000 units of body cameras. The police will evaluate tenders submitted by 129 companies.
Sahabudin mentioned that the PDRM is expected to acquire the body cameras after nine months of accepting the tender from the successful bidder. He further explained that the acquisition process takes time due to specific procedures to ensure proper tender allocation.
The selection of body cameras depends on the specified requirements to assist the enforcement of the Motorcycle Patrol Unit (URB), Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPV), and traffic in dealing with community crimes.
In the first phase of procurement, scheduled for the first quarter of 2024, the government has approved RM30 million, which covers the system, supporting equipment, and training for the use of body cameras.
According to reports in April, Minister of Home Affairs Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that the implementation of body cameras by police personnel nationwide is expected in the second or third quarter of this year.
He emphasised that body cameras would facilitate evidence collection and enhance the integrity of the police force. However, precautions must be in place to prevent manipulation by any party.
He also mentioned that the final phase of procurement involves the research conducted by the evaluation committee and the development of camera specifications, in addition to the production of tender documents.
