New police trial of body-mounted video cameras sparks concern
Lawmakers and activists worry plans to extend use of body-mounted video devices to film confrontations could lead to abuse of power
The fears were voiced after the extended trial - which widens use of the cameras from three police districts to all - was outlined to lawmakers yesterday.
But a security official said the cameras had helped to calm subjects being filmed, reducing the need for arrests.
Officers of the elite Police Tactical Unit of Hong Kong Island Region and emergency units in Kowloon West and New Territories North took part in the first phase of the trial between March and September last year.
The second stage, including emergency and tactical units in all regions plus frontline units involved in tasks "of a similar nature", will take a year from the second quarter of this year.
The device - mounted on an officer's shoulder facing outwards - is restricted to use in "confrontational scenarios" or "incidents where a breach of the peace has occurred or is likely to occur", police say.
Undersecretary for security John Lee Ka-chiu told a Legislative Council security panel meeting yesterday that officers in the first trial found that subjects showed more restraint upon learning they were being filmed.