Latvia to introduce new surveillance technology - EXCLUSIVE
Latvia’s Tax and Customs Police is set to introduce new body cameras and advanced video surveillance systems with support from the European Union.
This was said by the source in the Latvian Ministry of Interior Affairs, in an exclusive interview with CE Report.
The Latvian Cabinet of Ministers has approved the implementation of a project co-financed through the EU’s Union Anti-Fraud Programme (EUAF), aimed at strengthening the institutional and operational capacity of the Tax and Customs Police.
The project, titled “Obtaining Convincing Evidence Using the Latest Surveillance Systems,” is designed to improve the agency’s ability to conduct controls and procedural activities and to obtain high-quality evidence for subsequent criminal proceedings.
Under the project, officials will receive individual video recorders, or body cameras, while modern video surveillance systems will also be installed in police vehicles. The equipment is intended to be compatible with systems used by Latvia’s State Police and to provide opportunities for further technological integration across the Interior Ministry’s institutions.
A total of 60 body cameras are planned for officers of the Tactical Tasks Division of the Tax and Customs Police. In addition, 20 official vehicles will be equipped with video surveillance systems. The vehicle systems will include unlimited data transmission, three years of technical maintenance and support, licence payments, software updates and artificial intelligence capabilities.
According to the project description, the new technology is expected to provide high-quality audio and video recordings that can be used as evidence in criminal proceedings. The authorities also expect the systems to reduce disputes with third parties, improve officer safety and assist in identifying wanted persons and vehicles.
The equipment is also intended to support the safe monitoring of detained individuals during transportation, helping reduce the risk of escapes and potential attacks on officers. Recorded footage is expected to provide an objective and verifiable basis for assessing officers’ actions and handling complaints.
The EU’s Union Anti-Fraud Programme is focused on preventing and combating fraud, corruption and other illegal activities affecting the EU’s financial interests. It also supports the investigative and enforcement capacities of national authorities through investments in specialised equipment, tools, data-processing technologies and related training.
The Latvian project is planned to be implemented over 18 months from the signing of the grant agreement. Its total eligible costs are estimated at €448,118, with EU funding potentially covering up to 80%, or approximately €358,494.
The Latvian Cabinet has also authorised the Tax and Customs Police to undertake additional long-term state budget commitments related to the implementation of the EU co-financed project.
Photo: Chat GPT
This interview was prepared by Laura Hoffman
