The Basque Country’s autonomous police force, Ertzaintza, is continuing to modernise its equipment with the integration of body-worn cameras to improve officer safety and public confidence.

A successful pilot project

Since the end of 2024, the Ertzaintza has been gradually rolling out nearly 1,387 individual cameras across its entire workforce. To date, nearly 900 devices are already in service. This rollout follows a pilot project carried out between 2021 and 2022 in police stations in Bilbao, Irun and Vitoria-Gasteiz. The aim was to analyse the operational viability of this equipment within the Citizen Protection units.

The results of this experimental phase validated the effectiveness of the cameras in recording interventions, while offering substantial gains in terms of transparency and legal protection. Following the large-scale purchase of the devices at the end of 2024, officers were trained in their use to ensure optimal management of both the recordings and the equipment itself.

A response to government commitments

The integration of body-worn cameras is part of the 38th commitment of the Government Programme of the 13th Legislature of the Basque Country. This strategic plan aims to equip the police with modern tools that ensure the legal security of interventions and provide evidence in the event of legal proceedings.

In practical terms, officers from the Citizen Protection, Traffic and Mobile Brigade units are equipped with these new devices. The recordings made help to make operations safer, protect citizens’ rights and ensure greater accountability on the part of the police. Transparency is therefore a priority at the heart of Basque police practices.

Towards a more connected police force that is closer to citizens

The use of body-worn cameras by the Ertzaintza reflects a clear desire to adapt the police to contemporary societal demands. Every interaction between officers and citizens can now be documented, reducing the risk of conflicts of interpretation. The images collected provide a reliable record of interventions, while also serving as a tool for ongoing training for officers.

By making its actions more transparent, the Ertzaintza hopes to strengthen public confidence in its daily work.

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