…….”TTPS cognisant of benefits of technology”
By FRANCIS JOSEPH
The wearing of body-worn cameras has been a touchy subject for a number of years. Why?
Despite calls from the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) for members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to operate these cameras during investigations, this request has been met with silence.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Junior Benjamin, said last week that the TTPS has 120 operational cameras. But that is wholly inadequate for the number of units on exercises each day.
Both the Minister of Homeland Security and the Commissioner of Police have promised more cameras.
On May 22 during a Police operation in Arima, the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission Estate Police officers, using their cameras, filmed an incident which has reached the courts.
David West, Director of the PCA, has for years called for the police to wear these cameras. Even following police-involved shootings, video footage has not reached the PCA for independent investigations.
Today, Monday, the TTPS issued a media release acknowledging the need for the cameras.
The following is the release:
“The TTPS recognises Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) as a critical tool in advancing professionalism, accountability, transparency, and public trust in policing. BWCs provide an objective and impartial record of police-public interactions, ensuring that incidents are accurately documented and that engagements are conducted in accordance with established policies, procedures and legal standards.
The TTPS is fully cognisant of the significant benefits associated with the use of Body-Worn Camera technology, including:
-Enhancing transparency and accountability in policing activities;
-Providing valuable evidential material to support investigations and judicial proceedings;
-Protecting officers against false allegations and unfounded complaints;
-Encouraging professional conduct by both officers and members of the public during police encounters; and
-Strengthening public confidence in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
Given these well-established benefits, it is important to emphasise that the TTPS is not opposed to the use of Body-Worn Cameras. On the contrary, the organisation fully embraces this technology as an essential component of modern, professional policing and remains firmly committed to its implementation.
The TTPS is actively progressing efforts to procure and deploy Body-Worn Cameras throughout the Service and is moving with urgency to ensure that officers are appropriately equipped. The introduction of this technology requires careful planning and responsible implementation, including adherence to procurement regulations, policy development, data storage and management protocols, officer training, privacy safeguards and legislative compliance.
These measures are necessary to ensure that Body-Worn Camera technology is utilised effectively, responsibly, and in a manner that serves the best interests of both the public and the organisation.
As part of this process, the TTPS, through an Expression of Interest (EOI), invited suitably qualified and experienced firms to indicate their interest in the supply, delivery and commissioning of Body-Worn Camera systems for the Service.
In accordance with the timelines established under the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act, the deadline for the submission of Expressions of Interest is 22nd July, 2026. Upon completion of this phase, suitably qualified firms will be invited to participate in the formal bidding process.
The implementation of Body-Worn Cameras forms part of the TTPS’ broader transformation agenda, which is focused on building a more transparent, accountable, professional, and technology-driven police service. As the organisation continues to modernise its operations, BWCs will serve as a valuable tool in enhancing service delivery, strengthening public confidence and reinforcing the highest standards of policing.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service remains steadfast in its commitment to embracing technology, innovation, and international best practices that support its mission of protecting and serving the people of Trinidad and Tobago with professionalism, integrity, accountability and transparency.”
