LESA officers to get bodycams

Law enforcement wardens will be equipped with body cameras from Tuesday, while officials are also getting new uniforms and motorbikes. 

The move, first mooted by Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri in 2024, follows the introduction of bodycams for police officers in 2021.

At a press conference on Monday morning, Camilleri said the cameras had led to a decrease in violence against officers, as well as a reduction in allegations made against them that later proved to be false.  

“People’s behaviour changes when they know they are being filmed. Doing so helps to de-escalate situations, while also holding officials accountable for their own actions,” Camilleri said.

The new uniforms are designed to be suited to all weather conditions. Photo: Jonathan Borg.

The minister said the role of a LESA official was not an easy one. “We all talk about how there is a need for more law enforcement, but then are not pleased when we are the subject of that enforcement,” he said. 

“This investment makes LESA more efficient and able to fulfill its role,” he added. 

As with the police bodycams, the LESA cameras are activated by pressing a button. Footage is then recorded from two minutes prior, ensuring the start of an incident is not missed. 

LESA CEO Svetlick Flores said the bodycams – worth €300,000 - are a tool to create trust and transparency. 

“They ensure that both officials and the public behave in the way society expects them to,” he said.

The new bikes will increase the agency's fleet to 40, as well as 45 cars. Photo: Jonathan Borg.

Meanwhile, new uniforms will be rolled out on November 3. Bike-riding officials will wear black jackets with high-visibility yellow, while those who drive cars will wear a white shirt under a turquoise vest.

Flores said the uniforms were more comfortable, practical and suited to all weather conditions. 

Flores added that the ten new motorbikes, which bring LESA’s fleet of vehicles to 45 cars and 40 bikes - will help to increase the agency’s response time. 

LESA also has a new logo, which Flores said is a symbol of "passion and security.” 

The total investment in LESA’s new kit is €1.2 million.