Cops express more confidence carrying out duty with body cam - minister

The Home Ministry has received good feedback from the police on the use of body cameras while on duty.

Its minister, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, said several traffic police officers involved in the pilot project viewed the use of the new equipment as an improvement to the job and did not feel that they were being overly supervised while on the field.

"I had the opportunity to interact with the (traffic) police officers on duty, their feedback this time included feeling more confidence in carrying out their duties,” he said.

This is because the body camera increases the police’s efficiency in carrying out their duties, enhances police authority and defends the integrity of the force which at times can be viewed in a negative light, he added.

The Home Ministry will focus on body camera use for police officers who have direct interaction with the community before it is extended to other units and departments.

Saifuddin said this after officiating the Rela Siswa Siswi (Relasis) Brigade 2024 commissioning ceremony at Dewan Platinum, Merlimau Polytechnic in Jasin, Malacca, today.

Also present was Volunteer Corps Department (Rela) director-general Yahya Sulaiman.

At the ceremony, a total of 224 Relasis trainees from 16 public universities were commissioned as junior volunteer officers with the rank of Rela senior assistant superintendent.

Commenting on Rela, Saifuddin said he wanted the agency to carry out assignments more aggressively and not only focus on community services such as traffic control.

"For example, a more extensive assignment in restricted areas or areas that involve elements of border control such as roadblocks together with the police and army.

"If what we want is to expand the duties of (Rela), the Rela leadership needs to decide the suitable areas," he added.

- Bernama

KINIGUIDE | Police's long-awaited body cams

Saifuddin: Police body cam procurement in final stages

Govt to put body cams on immigration, prison officers too

Where are the body cameras for police force, asks DAP leader