Body cameras in TCC: MP published rules for use
Member of Parliament Oleksandr Fedienko published an official response regarding the rules for using body cameras by representatives of territorial recruitment centers. According to him, in accordance with the order of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine dated August 6, 2024, No. 532, wearing a body camera by a TCC employee must be done on a uniform — on the chest or in another way that ensures high-quality video recording.
«That is, if you see that a TCC representative wears a body camera on their pants, in a pocket, or, God forbid, turned off, this is a violation of the current regulatory act (normative legal act)», — emphasized Fedienko.
The deputy also explained when exactly the video recorder should be turned on: «Before the start of citizen notification events, the authorized representative of the TCC, who uses a portable video recorder, informs the persons being photographed and filmed about the recording.
The portable video recorder is turned on by authorized representatives from the moment they begin performing their official duties related to citizen notification, checking their military registration documents, and the video recording is conducted continuously until the completion of the events, except in cases of threat of military object footage or restricted information being captured, and in cases related to the personal private circumstances of the authorized representative (visiting the restroom, breaks for eating, etc.). During the activation of the portable video recorder, the authorized representative verifies the accuracy of the date and time set on the device».
The application instructions for territorial recruitment centers and social support regarding technical devices and tools with photo and video recording functions, approved by the order of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine dated August 6, 2024, No. 532, define the procedure for using portable video recorders, namely:
«During the process of photo and video recording of the presentation and verification of military registration documents by authorized representatives, the portable video recorder is attached to their uniform on the chest or in another way that ensures video recording. In cases related to the need for high-quality event documentation, authorized representatives may hold the portable video recorder in their hands. Attaching the portable video recorder to gear (helmet) or weapons is permitted if their design provides for appropriate mounts».
The Ministry of Defense indicated that the use of photo and video recording means is applied in accordance with the requirements of part six of article 22 of the Law of Ukraine «On Mobilization Preparation and Mobilization», points 40, 52, and 53 of the Procedure for Conducting the Conscription of Citizens for Military Service during Mobilization, for a special period, approved by the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated May 16, 2024, No. 560, and the Instruction for the use of technical devices and tools with photo and video recording functions by territorial recruitment centers and social support, approved by the order of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine from August 6, 2024, No. 532.
Upon completion of work, notification group representatives will transfer devices to the responsible person, appointed by a separate order from among the officials of the TCC and SSP. This person will check their integrity and functionality, as well as perform automatic export of information to a centralized secure server.
The server will be administered by the Military Law Enforcement Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine — such architecture will mitigate the risks of unauthorized access to recordings and interference with the system’s operation. The storage period of records on the VSU VLE server will be 30 days from the date of upload. However, this period may be extended in cases of:
- using recordings in criminal proceedings or administrative offense cases as evidence;
- consideration of complaints about the actions or inaction of authorized representatives during their duties;
- providing information upon lawyer’s request or law enforcement request;
- recording extraordinary events involving TCC and SSP personnel;
- other events if they may be used in the course of official activities of the TCC and SSP, during official investigations.
The control over the use of video recorders will be carried out by the responsible person of the TCC and SSP, and based on the information obtained through their use — directly by the head of the recruitment center.
Violation of the rules for using technical recording devices entails disciplinary liability — from reprimand to demotion in position or rank, as well as the transfer of materials to law enforcement agencies.
