QC gov’t makes good on promise, donates 300 body cameras to police

NEW ACQUISITIONS Quezon City policemen sport their latest weapon in the campaign against criminality: Body cameras courtesy of the city government. —JAM STA ROSA

The Quezon City government has donated at least 300 body cameras to its police force to promote transparency and accountability during their operations.

The donation, along with 3,000 new handcuffs, is in line with the city council’s vision to eventually provide around 1,500 body cameras to the second biggest police district in Metro Manila.

The 300 body cameras were the first to be turned over since the city council passed a resolution last year about donating more equipment to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).

The donation was “among the proactive measures in enhancing the capability of our law enforcers in combating criminality…,” the resolution said.

Promoting accountability

Mayor Herbert Bautista presided over the turnover of the body cameras to QCPD director, Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel Jr., who underscored the importance of the equipment in promoting accountability especially during operations.

“These new acquisitions would support our anti-criminality operations, especially in our fight against illegal drugs,” Esquivel said.

The Philippine National Police earlier promised to provide its men with body cameras to improve transparency in its drug-related operations.

The lack of funds, however, has prompted the PNP to ask for help from local governments.