Mauritius Police to Deploy 4,500 Body Cameras Within the Next Few Months

Mauritian frontline Police officers are set to be equipped with body-worn cameras within months, following a government directive to modernise the force and increase transparency. The Prime Minister’s Office has confirmed that the project has entered its operational phase, with a full rollout scheduled for later this year.

The deployment is contingent on the finalisation of a strict legal and procedural framework designed to govern the use of both cameras and TASERs.

Direct HQ Livestreaming

In a significant technological leap, police headquarters will be able to monitor operations in real-time.

The Treasury Building confirmed that the Main Command Centre will have the capability to view live-streamed footage as incidents unfold.

The force currently holds 4,500 EP820 radios already equipped with video recording capabilities.

Under the new system, all captured footage will be securely stored on the Government Online Centre servers.

Strict Legal Safeguards

A technical committee, established by the Police Commissioner, is currently drafting standard operating procedures (SOPs) and legislative amendments.

The Attorney General’s office was formally engaged on 7 November to ensure the new “body-worn camera” framework complies with data protection and privacy laws.

Key areas under review include:

• Technical Specifications: Assessing equipment and financial implications.
• Unit Identification: Determining which specific units will carry both cameras and TASERs.
• Operational Protocols: Defining exactly when cameras must be activated and how footage is accessed.

Internal Preparation

Logistical preparations are already underway, with the force manufacturing its own camera mounting straps internally to expedite the rollout.

The move follows long-standing calls from NGOs, criminal lawyers, and political groups, including the Alliance of Change.

Proponents argue the technology will serve a dual purpose: protecting officers in the line of duty and preventing police misconduct during interventions.

International Context

The initiative aligns the local force with international standards seen across Europe, North America, and Australia.

While international evidence suggests these tools improve accountability, officials stressed that success depends on the “strict regulatory frameworks” currently being drafted to balance public safety with individual liberties.

Deployment will begin “immediately after” the final legislative and operational validations are obtained.

Source: Defi Media