In addition to the Socialist Executive's bill, the Assembly of the Republic will also discuss the draft resolution of the CDS/PP on the acquisition of bodycams, for service vehicles and for video surveillance in police stations and posts.

The proposal that regulates the use of surveillance systems by video cameras by security forces and services provides for the expansion of the use of these technologies by the police, with 'bodycams' being allowed by PSP and GNR elements, 'drones' and several video cameras in support of police activity and traffic control on roads, sea and river traffic, movement of people at borders and in search and rescue operations.

The 'bodycams', small video cameras incorporated in the uniforms of the PSP agents, have been one of the instruments demanded by the police and the target of debate, namely following some media cases in which images of police operations are filmed and shared through mobile phones.

Therefore, this proposal, which contemplates the possibility of PSP and GNR elements using portable video surveillance cameras in police interventions, has been well received by police officers.

The proposal indicates that the 'bodycams' must be placed "visibly, on the uniform or equipment", and the capture and recording of images and sound can only "occur in case of intervention element of the security forces, namely when the occurrence of a criminal offense, dangerous situation, emergency or change of public order is at stake, and the beginning of the recording must be preceded by a clearly perceptible warning, whenever the nature of the service and the circumstances allow it.”

The characteristics and rules of use of the 'bodycams' cameras, as well as the form of transmission, storage and access to the collected data, will also be the object of an ordinance to be approved by the Minister of Internal Administration.

The proposal will repeal the 2005 law on video surveillance, which was amended in 2012, justifying the Government's current changes with "technological advances, which have led to significant changes with regard to the technical characteristics of the systems that the market offers at any given time".

The Government also states that the National Data Protection Commission was not asked for an opinion, and this entity must be heard by the Assembly of the Republic in the legislative process.