Police may get camera in uniforms

PolicePolice. Photo: Norway Today Media

A small video camera that takes in the all the action can become a part of the uniform of the Norwegian police. Oslo police tested “body cameras” last fall.

A report by the Oslo police test with twelve cameras recommends recording, but is more skeptical about the video, writes newspaper Aftenposten. The data protection register is pleased that the police made a sober assessment of the opportunities and challenges.

– We may well see situations where the use of camera make sense. To completely implement service may prove to cost more than its worth. It will require lots of procedures, training, and technical safety. The police will also have to deal with requests for access to the footage, says communications director Ove Skåra audit.

Kåre Stølen, head of Greenland area police in Oslo, think body cameras can be a useful tool and said feedback for the project in Oslo was positive. Norwegian Police Federation believes it is positive that video could acquit or condemn police when accusations are made against them.

– Many feel the strain of baseless reviews, and that video will confirm or deny what really happened, said union leader Sigve Bolstad in PF.

 

Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today