The use of body-worn cameras in policing : a comparative study

Abstract

Technological advancement has contributed greatly to the field of law enforcement and, in most cases, although creating controversial debates, it brought about the necessary developments to ensure that the execution of justice is, as much as possible, based on fact rather than false testimony or fraudulent practices as relates the management of evidence. This thesis focuses on the promise that new technology, and more specifically, bodyworn cameras, may afford in the future within the Maltese Islands. The use of this new technology has already been officially resorted to in other developed jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom and the United States of America, with the latter having enacted specific laws to regulate the rapidly-increasing use of body-worn cameras in the sphere of policing. Cognisant of the fact that this new technology can create a wholesome debate vis-à-vis privacy, the rights of citizens, and evidence-related issues such as the admissibility and the authenticity of video recordings generated by body-cameras, this thesis delves into the pros and cons associated with the use of these newly-emerging devices. Several research, guidelines, legislation and case-law are reviewed to provide a platform for a comprehensive discussion about the deployment of body-worn cameras – a phenomenon which we cannot avoid facing in the very near future.