This is the next phase in SCDF’s use of BWCs since it was first introduced in 2015. The groups of officers who will be  donning the BWCs is at Annex.

SCDF piloted the use of helmet-mounted and body-worn cameras with selected officers in 2015 to study their utility for operations. From February 2019 to February 2020, we conducted a BWC trial for our paramedics. We found that the recordings were useful for after-action performance reviews and post-incident investigations.

In this next phase, recorded footage from the BWCs of frontliners and enforcement officers will be used for coaching and training purposes. This will improve SCDF’s officers’ performance.

BWCs will also ensure greater accountability and transparency during interactions between SCDF officers and the public, including deterring potential abuse by members of the public.

In the longer term, BWCs will livestream footage to SCDF’s Operations Centre. During an on-going incident, this will enhance SCDF’s situational awareness, allowing even timelier and more informed decision-making, and improve overall incident management.

Safeguards for Data Security

Since 2015, strict controls and protocols have been put in place to manage the deployment of BWCs, and to safeguard the collection, storage and usage of the recorded data. Playback of footage is disabled on the BWC, and only  authorised personnel can download and view the footage. Any access to the data will be logged to enable audit checks, and the data will be encrypted for added security. SCDF will also ensure that the data is deleted after 90 days from the date of recording, unless there is justification to retain it, for example to assist in investigations or for operational reviews. Any officer who misuses the BWC or recorded data will be dealt with severely.