The order that authorises the use of body cameras (bodycams) by the Maritime Police is signed by the Deputy Secretary of State and National Defense, Álvaro Castelo Branco and establishes that the use of this instrument is regulated “in strict compliance with the recommendations explained in the opinion of the National Data Protection Commission” (CNPD).

The 112 'bodycams', which will begin to be used by elements of the Maritime Police 11 months after being presented, also comply with the rules and legal procedures set out in the decree-law published in January 2023 and which regulates the use of portable cameras by police officers.

In the order, the Secretary of State justifies the use of 'bodycams' with “the growing need to reinforce security in inspection and coastal surveillance operations, alongside the protection of citizens' fundamental rights and transparency in the exercise of the functions of the Maritime Police ”, in addition to constituting “an effective tool for capturing evidence in conflict situations, intervention in risk areas or in inspection and patrolling operations”.

According to the order, 'bodycams' simultaneously promote the protection of Maritime Police officers and citizens.

When they were presented, on November 28, 2023, the National Maritime Authority (AMN) informed that the acquisition of 112 'tasers' (non-lethal weapons) and 'bodycams' (portable cameras for individual use) was the result of an international public competition and had a cost of around 340 thousand euros.

According to AMN, 'bodycams' appear "as an element of capturing evidence and helping police officers operate, as they not only allow live transmission to a command post or control center of the Maritime Police, but also generate evidence capable of to be used in court to legitimize, or not, the actions of police officers and citizens".

The 'taser' will allow police officers to "neutralise an escalation of violence without the use of physical contact, as it is not necessary to get closer between the agent and the citizen", said the AMN at the time, highlighting that all shots fired or the simple activation of the 'taser' allow them to present evidence in court of the day, time, place, reference of the cartridges used, "which contributes to greater transparency and confidence in the actions of the Maritime Police".

The AMN also indicates that these equipment are used together, with the 'taser' allowing the automatic activation of the 'bodycams', whenever police officers are faced with high-risk and high-stress situations.

The acquisition of 112 'tasers' places the Maritime Police "as a pioneer in the use of this weapon that is associated with a 'bodycam'", highlighted the AMN at the time.