A three-month pilot programme introducing body cameras for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force will begin soon.
In partnership with Axon, an international technology company, the RVIPF will test the body-worn, closed-circuit cameras before evaluating results and making a permanent decision, according to the Police Information Office.
The programme is designed to help modernise the force’s evidence-gathering capabilities, explained Police Commissioner Michael Matthews.
“Footage from these modern body-worn devices can be used as direct evidence in court in relation to incidents captured,” Mr. Matthews said. “It also protects not only officers from accusations of abuse or improper conduct, but importantly provides members of the public with evidential standard proof should there be any such abuse or conduct by officers of the law.”
The law already makes provisions for police to wear these devices while executing duties, according to the Police Information Office.
Once training is complete, officers are expected to begin wearing and recording with these body cameras when attending incidents or engaging with members of the public, police said.