Enhancing Accountability: PNP Plans to Acquire 4,000 More Body Cameras in 2024

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is setting its sights on enhancing its technological capabilities with the planned procurement of an additional 4,000 body-worn cameras in 2024. This decision comes as the current supply of nearly 3,000 units falls significantly short of the ideal target of 40,000 to 45,000 cameras necessary for effective law enforcement operations.

PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo emphasized the importance of these devices in ensuring transparency and legitimacy in police activities. The body cameras, each costing over P135,000, are not just recording devices but are equipped with advanced features like GPS, internet, and SIM capabilities. The PNP’s focus extends beyond body cameras, as they are also prioritizing capacity enhancement through the construction of additional infrastructure and police stations, improving cybersecurity measures, and intensifying personnel training. Moreover, the PNP aims to bolster its manpower in the coming year to achieve an optimal police-to-population ratio of 1:500​​.