DUBAI // Residents have welcomed the move by Dubai Police to place body cameras on officers, saying it would lead to greater transparency and protection for all concerned.
A six-month trial using 80 body cameras would show how well officers interact with the public, police chief Maj Gen Khamis Al Muzeina said this week.
Dubai residents agreed. “As long as we’re aware we’re being recorded, I don’t think there’s an invasion of privacy,” said Lana Sayed, 29.
“It could be a beneficial thing in cases where there’s a dispute or misconduct by a police officer or a civilian. Almost everywhere you go in Dubai you are surrounded by cameras, so I don’t see why it would be a big deal.”
UAE law states that recording sound or images in a public or private area is an "assault on the sanctity of an individual or family's private life".
But if the subject knows the recording is being made, their consent is presumed.
Ezzeldin Othman, of the legal firm Ezz, said the cameras would be useful for the public, especially if they felt they were being treated unfairly.
“This is great news. It’s already been used in the UK and proved to be successful. Civilians will know that they are being recorded, the same as when you call a bank and the machine tells you that this call may be monitored.
“Also, the camera is clearly visible on the officer’s chest. There is no privacy issue here. The issue would only be if the footage is released publicly or on the internet without the subject’s permission.”
Research shows that body cameras can reduce complaints against police and help to prevent excessive use of force, an issue that has been highlighted by recent incidents in the US.
A 12-month study in Rialto, California by the UK’s University of Cambridge, found that use of force by officers wearing cameras fell by 59 per cent, and reports against officers dropped by 87 per cent from the previous year.
Ahmed S, 30, who was born and raised in Dubai, liked the idea.
“It’s a very good idea to record how police officers interact with the public and a good way to make sure they stay in line with the police strategic plan to treat civilians professionally and with respect,” he said.
“It will also keep civilians in line and they will not be able to make up stories about being mistreated. Everything would be on record.”
Mohammed M, who has been living in the emirate for about two years, said there was no need for the cameras but it would not hurt to have them.
“I’ve had to deal with the police a couple of times since I’ve moved here and I really don’t see the need to have them wear body cameras,” said Mohammed, 26. “They have always been respectful and professional.
“I don’t think it has any negative repercussion as far as civilians are concerned. If anything, those cameras will be monitoring officers’ behaviour.”
Gen Al Muzeina said recordings would provide greater credibility in the event of a objection to traffic offences, or failure by officers to meet acceptable standards.
He said that the new cameras were high quality, light and could record for up to eight hours, after which data is transferred to an independent storing unit at Dubai Police Headquarters, where it could not be removed or tampered with.
Col Khalid Al Razooqi, director of the police smart services department, said: “It is not a necessity in Dubai but a precaution in case someone files a complaint.
“We will make sure to notify residents that they may be recorded, just like malls or hotels do when they put up signs that people may be monitored.”
Col Al Razooqi said the programme was part of Dubai Government’s initiative to be the smartest city in the world.
He said he would be happy to answer any questions the public may have, or receive suggestions on his Twitter account: @KhalidAlRazooqi.
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae
