The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will equip 100 traffic enforcers with body cameras while doing their duties along major thoroughfares in the National Capital Region.
The agency’s Traffic Discipline Office (TDO) is currently giving orientation briefings to the traffic enforcers on the use of the body cameras.
“This is part of the familiarization with the technical specifications, features, and parts of the gadget that will be used by some traffic enforcers in their traffic management operations,” said MMDA chairman Romando Artes.
The charged body cameras will last up to eight hours.
Artes said recordings from the body cameras are linked to the new MMDA Command Center in Pasig City, and the information could be used as evidence in case a motorist filed a complaint.
Initially, the newly-procured body cameras will be distributed to MMDA traffic enforcers assigned along Katipunan Avenue, Ortigas Avenue, Timog Avenue and Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Artes said the MMDA expects to buy more body cameras for other traffic enforcers in the coming months, but added that funding could be a concern.
The agency wants traffic enforcers to wear the device while apprehendingerring motorists, as well as prevent them from engaging in irregular acts such as bribery and extortion while performing their tasks.
MMDA officials admitted that some traffic enforcers were involved in extortion and bribery cases, and some motorists apprehended for violating traffic rules offered money to the enforcers to avoid facing the penalties and further inconveniences.
Motorists can take videos of traffic enforcers engaged in unlawful activities, why not traffic enforcers? Body cameras can serve as proof or evidence on what really happened between a traffic enforcer and a motorists being apprehended for a traffic violation,” they said.