Israel Police has begun testing bodycams, joining a growing number of police forces around the world. Police officials are hopeful the program will serve to increase the trust in the department, which is not known to be as high as they would like. The program is part of the department’s investment in technology to improve all-around performance.

In stage one, five units will test the bodycams, which will then be tested in units around the country. According to Police Commissioner Roni Alsheich, in stage one, 150 patrol officers and five teams of the traffic enforcement unit will be using the bodycams.

Alsheich points out that the only one not filming today is police, confident the cameras will serve to assist both police and citizens as the bodycams document situations involving a police response.

Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan is confident that among other things, the bodycams will “moderate police behavior” which he cites as a plus. The ministry is investing NIS 40 million into the project.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)