Norwegian police to pilot body camera program following Kongsberg incident

In January 2023, the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security requested the Police Directorate (POD) to evaluate the introduction of body cameras for police officers. Plans have been set for a pilot program in the autumn of 2023, with a more extensive testing phase anticipated in 2024, according to the police director.

The body cameras, which are small and compact, will be attached to the uniforms of police officers, recording both audio and video. Their potential implementation in Norway gained urgency following a police violence incident in Kongsberg in October 2022.

Before commencing with a project, the police must clarify issues regarding funding and prioritization, which have yet to be settled. Nevertheless, preliminary investigations have already begun.

State Secretary Hans-Petter Aasen announced that the government’s revised national budget for 2024 includes a significant increase in funding for the police force. This allocation will be used for investments in essential equipment to ensure effective police operational work, including specialized tools and technological solutions such as body cameras. Aasen expressed satisfaction with the POD’s initiative to gain further insight into this matter.