No hiding from the lens as cops expand body cam use

The days of police operations relying solely on officers' accounts could soon be a thing of the past, with the St James Police Division pushing to have every patrol and major operation captured on body-worn cameras.

Commanding Officer for the St James Division, Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels, says the division has already achieved 89 per cent body camera usage during deployed operations since June and is now aiming for "100 per cent compliance" through training, oversight and policy enforcement.

Speaking during Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake's visit to Area One on Wednesday, Samuels said the technology is proving to be a game-changer in strengthening transparency, preserving evidence and protecting both officers and civilians.

One of the clearest examples, he noted, came during a recent operation that led to the seizure of J$41.5 million in cash.

"One of the main things that I'm happy about with this seizure is with the deployment of our body cameras... no one can contest the integrity of the officers who were in that operation because the body cameras were used right here," Samuels said.

He explained that the footage captured every stage of the operation, from the initial encounter to the handover of the cash in Kingston, creating what he described as an incontestable record of events.

Samuels added that the individual involved in the operation was informed from the outset that officers' body cameras were recording.

"The individual in question, he was informed from the get-go that the body cameras were on... So, we have proof to see that nothing was tampered with, and everything was accounted for," he said.

According to the senior officer, the St James Division has so far this year seized 32 firearms, charged more than 1,762 persons, and carried out numerous intelligence-led operations supported by body-worn camera footage.

He stressed that officers are required to follow the Jamaica Constabulary Force's body-worn camera policy, which includes notifying members of the public when cameras are in use and adhering to strict procedures for handling recorded footage.

"Body-worn cameras are proving to be an indispensable tool in modern policing, enhancing transparency, protecting our officers and the public, and strengthening investigations," Samuels said.

He added that the division will continue expanding the use of the devices until every operational contact is recorded in keeping with JCF policy and best practices.

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