Beginning on September 1, representatives from Military Recruitment Centers (MRCs) must utilize body cameras to document their operations.
This information was released by the Ministry of Defense via social media.
The ministry announced the development of a new IT system designed to centralize and standardize the video documentation process.
The new system will include:
- the purchase of standardized cameras;
- the establishment of a secure centralized data storage;
- the use of software for rapid analysis of recordings.
The Ministry hopes that the use of cameras will help minimize conflicts, create a reliable evidence base in disputed cases, and prevent misconduct.
Recording will commence automatically as soon as notification groups begin their duties and will continue uninterrupted until they finish. The only exceptions will be instances where military objects or sensitive information might be captured.
Personnel from MRCs are strictly prohibited from deleting or altering recordings, turning off the cameras, obstructing documentation, or sharing footage with unauthorized individuals.
Oversight of camera usage will be the responsibility of a designated individual at the MRC, while information management will be directly supervised by the commander.
Upon completion of the notification groups' work, recordings from memory cards will be automatically uploaded to a secure centralized server, with a minimum retention period of 30 days, and longer in cases involving investigations or legal proceedings.
Violations of camera usage regulations may result in disciplinary actions, ranging from reprimands to demotion, and referral of materials to law enforcement agencies.
The Military Law Enforcement Service will be the administrator of the information and telecommunications system, ensuring that risks of unauthorized access to recordings are mitigated.
This measure is crucial due to recent incidents where personnel from military recruitment centers were accused of unlawful detainment using physical force for mobilization purposes.
