Body cameras on cops seen to dispel suspicion
“Kung lahat ng systems tatakbo yan, yung operations na ika-conduct ng bawat pulis natin recorded na, so hindi pwede burahin yan kasi nasa system,” Senior Superintendent Joel Doria said. AP/Aaron Favila, file photo
CEBU, Philippines — Senior Superintendent Joel Doria considered as crucial in helping dispel the suspicion during police operations the donation of six body cameras by a private establishment for his men.
The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) director said the cameras would not just help cultivate public trust but would also serve as concrete proof of the police that they followed standard operating procedures.
He said part of the recordings taken by the cameras will be saved by the system called GUARDIAN, which was just donated last Tuesday.
“Kung lahat ng systems tatakbo yan, yung operations na ika-conduct ng bawat pulis natin recorded na, so hindi pwede burahin yan kasi nasa system,” he said.
Doria said another useful feature of the system is that the recordings can be played back, which is crucial in reviewing whether the actions of the policeman wearing the body camera was within bounds of the rules set by an oversight committee or by the Commission on Human Rights.
“Kung ano yung mga viola-tions makikita natin agad. Immediately we can correct any mistakes, na na-commit,” he said.
Doria also said that in a recent discussion with City Councilor Philip Zafra, Cebu City Association of Barangay Councils president, their group would also propose the donation of another sets of body cameras in addition to the donated items.
“They informed us that they will be proposing a memo for the donations ng body cam para naman sa station natin,” he said.
CCPO will prioritize giving the body cameras to the City Drug Enforcement Unit as it is considered as first responders.
Last month, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian proposed to have policemen wear body cameras during drug raids to ensure transparency in the observance of operation protocols.
The move was pushed following the death of 17-year-old Kian Loyd Delos Santos in Caloocan City, who was caught on closed-circuit television camera being dragged by the police. The boy was later shot dead by the police for allegedly resisting arrest. (FREEMAN)
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