Israeli cops to start wearing body cams

Israeli traffic and patrol cops are to start wearing body cameras in a new trial across the country, as part of efforts to boost confidence in law enforcement officials.

Unveiling the new initiative, Israel Police Commissioner Roni Alscheich and Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan say the first stage will involve 150 patrol officers and five teams of traffic cops. The scheme will then be extended to all patrol officers in Israel.

The cameras will be in operation at all times, with the exception of cases involving sexual assault, when the alleged victim will not appear; in hospitals, schools or other sensitive institutions; and during public demonstrations.

According to the police, the cameras will be placed in a prominent location, so that people are aware they are being recorded. The recordings will only be seen by authorized personnel and only then in the execution of their duties. Steps will also be taken to ensure that the footage is not publicly released, unless a particular case justifies it.

The Public Security Ministry has earmarked NIS 40 million for the project, the police say.

היום יוצא לדרך פיילוט במשטרת ישראל, במסגרתו שוטרים יישאו על מדיהם מצלמה ויתעדו את פעילותם, בהתאם לנוהל שגובש בנושא pic.twitter.com/6OiMWUnnoU

— משטרת ישראל (@IL_police) August 3, 2016