In a move that aims to increase transparency and improve the safety of officers and citizens, Brussels North Police Zone will start equipping front-line uniformed officers with body cameras to record interventions.
The body cams will be used in situations or interventions that are "likely to generate tension," a police statement read. The cameras will be gradually rolled out from May, once the technical configuration and training of police officers has been finalised.
"After a conclusive test phase conducted during the first quarter of 2021, our police zone has placed an initial order for 70 body cams for use by front-line uniformed units," Cécile Jodogne, President of the Police College, stated.
The Brussels North Police department explained that the body cams will be worn visibly by officers on bullet-proof vests. They will be able to record video, audio, take photographs, and store location data.
Safety and transparency
By using the body cams, the police are aiming to reinforce the professionalism of police interventions and make them more transparent to use when investigating complaints against the police, improve the safety of officers and reduce the number of violent incidents, among others.
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The police zone submitted an authorisation request for the installation and use of body cams to all local councils on its territory, including Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, Schaerbeek and Evere.
"This was the last legal step to be taken and it was voted in by the three local councils competent for the territory of the Police Zone", Ridouane Chahid and Emir Kir, mayors of Evere and Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, said.
Around 280 police officers of the zone Brussels Ixelles have been using body cams since mid-October last year, and reported that interventions are carried out more calmly when they are used.
In the last few years, the UN has expressed concern over alleged violence and racial profiling by police in Belgium, particularly after reports of a spike in racist incidents over the Covid-19 lockdown period.
