News Today: Acting IGP Affirms Public’s Right to Record Police Officers

Acting Inspector General (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya has issued a significant directive permitting the public to visually record the actions of police officers while they are on duty. This statement, addressed to all police personnel, clarifies that recording incidents involving police officers is not illegal and should not be met with intimidation or confiscation of mobile devices.

The IGP’s announcement came in response to complaints about certain officers who have attempted to prevent public recording by seizing devices and making arrests. Investigations have revealed that many of these interactions, where police have acted undisciplined or improperly, have been captured on video. These recordings can serve as vital evidence for disciplinary actions against the officers involved.

Furthermore, the Acting IGP noted that videos obtained from the public can be utilized as evidence in both criminal and civil cases under Clause 4 of the Evidence (Special Provisions) Act No. 14 of 1995. This provision allows for unedited footage to be presented in court, benefiting both the prosecution and defense.

However, he cautioned that if these recordings are edited and shared on social media to incite hatred towards the police, individuals may face legal repercussions. This warning aligns with the backdrop of a recent incident in Wariyapola, where a police officer threatened a person for recording a vehicle incident involving former state minister Lohan Ratwatte.

Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath condemned the officer’s actions, affirming the public’s right to record police activities without fear of retribution.