Members of the Turkish police and gendarmerie have started to use body cameras on a massive scale to improve their effectiveness in detecting and identifying crimes and transparency and interaction between officers and citizens by Turkish security forces.
According to media outlets such as Haber Türk, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya himself reported on the use of body cameras by Turkish law enforcement agencies, noting that the number of these devices – which are attached to the top of the officers’ uniforms – used by police and also gendarmes performing traffic control duties ‘has increased to 42,000’.
The minister also took the opportunity to mention the new radar devices that will begin to be used in the country for traffic control and accident prevention: the new radars will be installed at thousands of points all over Turkey – preferably near hospitals and schools– and will be able to detect, both day and night, the speed of traffic and whether drivers and passengers are using seat belts.
Data from the Ministry of the Interior put the number of police and gendarmes already equipped with body cameras at 42,604: 8,704 national police officers, 12,900 traffic police officers, 15,362 gendarmerie officers and 5,638 gendarmes in traffic surveillance duties. But by the end of 2025, it is estimated that the total number of security forces equipped with these devices will reach 111,604 officers nationwide.
Recordings will serve as evidence for possible crimes and complaints
Initially intended for law enforcement and traffic control officers, the body-worn cameras allow them to immediately identify persons and vehicles suspected of being involved in criminal activity. In addition to recording video, these body-worn cameras allow full documentation of interactions between police and gendarmes and civilians, serving as evidence in the event of complaints by either party, thus improving the transparency and effectiveness of law enforcement.
The devices also transmit in real time the GPS location of the officers to ensure continuous coordination of all teams, and are equipped with night vision, being able to operate effectively without light or in adverse weather conditions. Developed by Turkish defence company ASELSAN, the body cameras will be equipped with advanced facial and plate recognition functions in future upgrades, acting as a true third eye for officers.
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Edited and reviewed by:
Pablo Gómez is a specialist in Turkey and has been editor-in-chief of Hispanatolia since 2011. He has been analysing current affairs and geopolitics in Turkey and the surrounding region since 2006.
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