Author
Ms Batool Zahoor Qazi
Organisation/Institution
Maldives National University
Country
MALDIVES
Panel
Criminal Law
Title
An exploratory study on the use of Body worn cameras in Maldives
Abstract
Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) are widely used by police officers globally. Many countries have introduced BWC’s to address concerns regarding police misconduct enhance accountability, and safeguard citizens’ rights. In the Maldives, where similar concerns about police behaviour and public trust have surfaced, the introduction of BWCs by police and other law enforcement agencies is widely regarded as a positive development. This study aims to explore the perceptions of Maldivian police officers regarding the use and effectiveness of BWCs. An exploratory qualitative approach was adopted, using semi-structured interviews with 10 police officers from the Maldives police service . In order to gain a broader perspective interviews were conducted both with users and non users of BWC’s. The data was coded, themes were generated, and a thematic analysis was conducted. The findings indicate a high level of technological readiness, general willingness, and institutional support for the adoption of BWCs. However, current usage remains limited to frontline officers, predominantly within the capital city, and there is limited public awareness of BWC’s. Police officers expressed mixed feelings, while some have expressed concerns about continuous monitoring, preference to traditional mode of working and fear of potential disciplinary proceedings. However the majority expressed positive views on the use of BWC’s,recognising their role in restoring public trust and reducing complaints against the police. The study concludes that, in order to optimise the use of BWCs in the Maldives, measures must be taken to support officers’ wellbeing, enhance public awareness, protect privacy rights, and ensure broader nationwide deployment and to all interactions of police . Such steps are essential to strengthening police accountability and safeguarding the rights of citizens. Key Words : BWC’s, Maldives , Police accountability , Citizens .
Biography
Batool Zahoor Qazi is a Senior Lecturer at the Maldives National University, where she has been working since 2012. She holds an undergraduate degree in Law from the University of Kashmir and a Master’s in Law (Human Rights) from the National Law School of India University, Bangalore. She teaches Criminal Law, International Law, and other related subjects at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Batool has contributed to curriculum development and student development initiatives, and her scholarly work includes empirical research on criminal justice reform, juvenile justice, and the intersection of law with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. She has contributed to both national and international research initiatives and has been awarded competitive research grants supporting studies on legal education and generative artificial intelligence. Her areas of interest include criminal law, international criminal law, human rights, legal education, the law of technology, and artificial intelligence in law.
