Drivers can record police during traffic stops under new road traffic rules – CUTS International
Drivers can use their mobile phones to record their interactions with police officers during traffic stops, and such recordings may be admitted as evidence in court under the new road traffic rules. Director of the West Africa Regional Centre of CUTS International, Appiah Kusi Adomako, explained that the measure would help protect both motorists and … The post Drivers can record police during…
Drivers are now permitted to use their mobile phones to document their encounters with law enforcement during traffic stops, and these recordings may be used as evidence in court under the newly implemented road traffic rules. Appiah Kusi Adomako, Director of the West Africa Regional Centre of CUTS International, elaborated on the rule change during an interview on Joy News.
Adomako emphasized that the new regulation would safeguard both drivers and police officers by providing a written account of events that transpire during traffic stops. The measure aims to tackle situations where motorists and police officers engage in negotiations at the roadside, making it challenging to accurately document the violation.
By recording such interactions, authorities can gather insights into traffic offenses and identify individuals who repeatedly violate traffic laws. Repeated offenders could face escalating penalties, including the revocation or suspension of their driving license and mandatory training. The system is expected to optimize police resources as well.
Under the automated system, officers would not always need to transport motorists to the police station following a traffic violation. Adomako explained that during escorting, officers leave a location, leaving no one to manage traffic at the site. The technology would reduce the need for these physical processes, simultaneously serving as a means to collect evidence of traffic violations.
Motorists are encouraged to remain composed and inform officers that they have the right to record the interaction if one objects. Adomako advised drivers to inform officers of their recording rights if challenged. He noted that some nations utilize body cameras for such situations and expressed optimism that Ghana could adopt similar practices in the future.
Adomako praised the Ghana Police Service for progress under the new Inspector General of Police while acknowledging that further work remains.
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