5000 bodycams handed over to GPF as Govt aims to improve transparency in policing

In a significant step toward modernising law enforcement and enhancing public trust, the Government of Guyana has handed over 5000 high-tech body cameras to the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

The handing over ceremony was held this morning and was attended by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, Deputy Commissioner Ravindradat Budhram, and other senior security officials.

According to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, this initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to increase transparency, accountability, and service efficiency across policing operations.

The 5000 high-tech body cameras boast cutting-edge features including, IP67 rating for rugged, dustproof, and waterproof use up to six feet, Wi-Fi, Long Term Evolution (LTE), and 4G streaming capabilities, 256 gigabytes of storage, with five hours of native battery life or up to ten hours with an extended battery, mounting versatility for use on uniforms or in vehicles and full integration with existing national surveillance networks.

The technology aims to support real-time monitoring, incident traceability, and evidentiary integrity while promoting responsible conduct by both officers and citizens.

“A big part of improving service delivery is monitoring and evaluation, transparency and accountability, but also at the same time, giving our police officers, our men and women in uniform, the tools to make their job easier,” the Head of State outlined.

“But it also gives us an opportunity to have what I always speak about, that is traceability. Traceability of behaviour, conduct from the citizenry and also from the police,” he added.

In this regard, President Ali made it clear that “there is absolutely no excuse whatsoever from the Guyana Police Force, of our men and women in the field not having, not being equipped with these cameras when conducting their duties and responsibilities.”

The Guyanese Leader further outlined plans to expand the use of roadside surveillance, speed-monitoring systems, AI-assisted traffic enforcement, and mobile highway stations equipped for rapid response — all part of a multi-tiered technology-based crime-fighting strategy.

Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn echoed the President’s remarks, reiterating the government’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of Guyanese through enhanced safety, better service delivery, and citizen-focused policing.

“We are aware that even where there may be deficiencies and human failings, that the question of technology could add to the certitude of delivering service that our citizens require and to build trust and confidence in respect of the work that we do in improving the lives of our citizens,” the minister said.