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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Cong Villar files bill requiring cops to use bodycams, dashcams

Cong Villar files bill requiring cops to use bodycams, dashcams

Published Jun 16, 2023 06:49 am
PNP (Mark Balmores/ MANILA BULLETIN)



House Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas City lone district Rep. Camille Villar wants to institutionalize law enforcement officers' use of body cameras and dashboard cameras during the conduct of searches and arrests. Villar, spokesperson of the Nacionalista Party (NP), filed House Bill (HB) No.8352, for thsi purpose. “This bill seeks to formalize a body-work camera and dash cam policy for all law enforcement officers with the authority to conduct searches and make arrests in order to promote transparency in law enforcement operations and pave the way for speedy investigations in cases of dispute,” Villar said. In her bill, the lady solon noted that there are positive reasons to push for the comprehensive use of police bodycams and dashcams, as recorded footage would provide objective evidence of law enforcement actions. This could also be used as valuable evidence in investigations and could hold officers accountable for their actions. “This policy will also prevent law enforcers from excessive use of force in the execution of their duties,” said the ranking House member, who noted that both transparency and accountability are expected out of frontline law enforcement officers. Under the proposal, all law enforcement agencies authorized by law to conduct searches and make arrests shall be required to wear a bodycams and record the events that occur while in the course of conducting a search or making an arrest. Similarly, they are required to install dashcams for the same purpose. No law enforcement officer shall use wearable body cameras to record activity that is unrelated to a response to a call for service or a law enforcement or investigative encounter between a law enforcement officer and a member of the public. The recorded videos will also be available for public scrutiny, subject to privacy and security considerations, as all footage taken shall be retained for one year. However, a video footage shall be automatically retained for not less than three years if the video footage captures an interaction or event involving any use of force or in the event a complainant emerges. “Footage captures on body-worn cameras or dash cameras can be an invaluable tool on how law enforcement officers interact with the public and vice versa,” said Villar. In 2021, the Supreme Court (SC) issued guidelines on the utilization of bodycams and required law enforcers to wear such devices in serving warrants.

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