The special investigating officers (boas) in Gennep will wear a bodycam from Tuesday. This is a six-month trial.
The municipality has decided to do this because boas regularly have to deal with verbal and sometimes physical violence. To prevent such incidents, they are fitted with a bodycam. That is a small portable camera that is attached to the uniform of a boa.
Unsafe
Filming with it is allowed when a boa estimates that an unsafe situation will arise or threaten to arise. Whether for himself or herself, a colleague or a third party. The boa does not need permission to turn on the camera.
Retention period
The trial in Gennep was preceded by eight months of preparation to ensure compliance with privacy law and regulations. For example, a boa notifies the person(s) involved that the bodycam is switched on. They can also ask to view the images. The police and the Public Prosecution Service can request images from a bodycam if criminal offenses have been committed. Captured images are stored for a maximum of 28 days.
After the trial period, the approach will be evaluated. A final decision on the purchase of bodycams in Gennep will follow in the autumn.