The Importance of Using Technology (Body Worn Cameras) to Fight Crime in South Africa

Unarguably, technology is part of policing in the 21st century. It is costly to implement but saves lives when it is done. There has been talked about the importance to equip all police officers in South Africa with body worn cameras, but this has not materialized so far. Some provinces like Cape Town have done pilot study in relation to body worn cameras and their relevance to modern day policing. Most traffic police officers interviewed support the idea and the effectiveness of the body–worn cameras assisting them to do their jobs. Body–worn cameras will protect both motorists and traffic police officers. Body–worn cameras may be subject to distortions and manipulations by traffic police officers. The government should also explore more about other operational policing strategies and anti-corruption equipment to complement body–worn cameras.