The State of Lower Saxony (DE) starts the roll-out of ZEPCAM Body Cameras

This was preceded by a nationwide test phase of the state of Lower Saxony, which started about three years ago and led to the conclusion that body cameras have a deescalating effect. “It’s unacceptable that police officers are attacked or prevented from carrying out their duties”, explains Markus Wallenhorst, Head of Operations at the police inspection in Wilhelmshaven/Friesland. “From now on, body cameras will be used as a resource for self-defence as well as for objective operational documentation and, if necessary, subsequent preservation of evidence”, explains Wallenhorst.

Bodycams intended to protect officers

The body cameras are worn by the task forces at their uniforms, document police procedures and are intended to protect officers from assaults. If, however, such violations do occur, the camera and audio recordings can still be used as evidence. What does this mean in practice? As a matter of principle, the officials in charge of the cameras wear the word “Videoaufzeichnung” (video recording) on their uniforms in order to ensure that the use of video technology is recognisable to uninvolved third parties as well as the persons concerned. Before the equipment is switched on, the person concerned is informed that the situation is being recorded. The activation of the recording is additionally signalled visually. All video recordings by means of body cameras are generally secured for 28 days. The video material is automatically deleted unless it is used as evidence for criminal prosecution and for the prosecution of administrative offences.

Legal requirements for use of bodycams