A leader of the House of Representatives on Thursday said requiring law enforcement officers to use body-worn cameras and dashboard cameras could help improve police transparency and accountability.

In filing House Bill 8352, Deputy Speaker and Las Pinas Representative Camille Villar said the use of body cameras for law enforcers conducting search and arrest operations could be beneficial, as recorded footage would provide objective evidence of law enforcement actions, could be used as valuable evidence in investigations, and could hold officers accountable for their actions.

“This bill seeks to formalize a body-work camera and dash cam policy for all law enforcement officers with the authority to conduct searches and make arrests in order to promote transparency in law enforcement operations and pave the way for speedy investigations in cases of dispute,” Villar said.

“This policy will also prevent law enforcers from excessive use of force in the execution of their duties,” she added.

Under the bill, all law enforcement agencies authorized by law to conduct searches and make arrests shall be required to wear a body camera and record the events that occur while in the course of conducting a search or making an arrest.

The bill also requires the installation of dashboard cameras for the same purpose.

No law enforcement officer shall use wearable body cameras to record activity that is unrelated to a response to a call for service or a law enforcement or investigative encounter between a law enforcement officer and a member of the public.

The recorded videos will also be available for public scrutiny, subject to privacy and security considerations, as all footage taken shall be retained for one year.

However, a video footage shall be automatically retained for not less than three years if the video footage captures an interaction or event involving any use of force or in the event a complainant emerges.

“Footage captures on body-worn cameras or dash cameras can be an invaluable tool on how law enforcement officers interact with the public and vice versa,” Villar said.

In 2021, the Supreme Court issued guidelines on the utilization of body cameras and required law enforcers to wear body cameras in serving warrants. (PNA)