Earlier this month, we reported that Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is in the progress of acquiring and using body-worn camera system (BWC) to help enhance crime-fighting capabilities. Now, another government body is also doing the same.
The Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki announced that they will equip enforcement officers with a BWC to ensure transparency during operations. He stressed that the use of these cameras will prevent any malicious accusations directed towards the graftbusters, according to NST.
Azam pointed out that law enforcement officers, including those from MACC, are always at risk of facing false accusations while combating corruption, especially during investigative operations such as searches, seizures, and arrests.
Unfortunately, individuals with ill intentions utilise social media and other platforms to spread propaganda or make baseless allegations against MACC officers, which can harm the agency’s reputation.
To protect themselves from accusations, they have decided to use BWC. The cameras were initially introduced as a pilot project in December of the previous year, and the feedback received has been positive. Their implementation will also assist MACC in providing essential evidence when required in court.
The BWCs will record audio and visuals of all events and occurrences throughout the MACC’s investigation process. This includes how suspects or witnesses are treated by MACC officers during the investigation.
By having such recordings, MACC officers, including those assisting in investigations or the suspects themselves, will be consistently protected by the law.
Furthermore, in case of any accusations concerning the unprofessional conduct of MACC officers during field investigations, these recordings can serve as reference evidence to substantiate or refute such claims.
A total of 142 cameras will be distributed to operational sectors at both the headquarters and state offices, and more cameras will be acquired in the future. The BWCs will be allocated to officers essential for operations, and additional units will be provided as needed going forward.
