SAPS considers body cameras for officers

AFTER shelving the idea of body cameras due to lack of funds, the SAPS is once again considering introducing the tool to protect the officers during operations.

This was revealed by Police Minister Bheki Cele while responding in writing to parliamentary questions from IFP MP Zandile Majozi.

Majozi enquired about the budget allocations for the use of body-worn cameras and details regarding the implementation of the cameras.

She said in light of the increasing number of SAPS officers being killed, and civilian videos showing SAPS members abusing their office, there was a need for an update on the initiative.

In his response, Cele said no specific budget allocation has been made available for body cameras.

But, he said the SAPS had published a request for information (RFI) on the body cameras. “The purpose of the RFI was to determine the impact of infrastructure, operations technology and the aspects of society and business, which will have a direct influence on how technology supports and delivers service to the business over the next five years.”

Cele said a draft bid specification document was compiled for proper due diligence. “A bid specification is planned for final sign-off by all of the SAPS divisions which require the use of body cameras by the end of July 2021, which will then be consolidated for publication. An implementation plan will be compiled from the determined priorities of the SAPS.” |