By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Department of Immigration has received 110 push-to-talk radios and 60 body cameras from the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC).

Ashton Greenslade, Chief Immigration Officer, information technology and communications, said the new devices would enhance communication, provide clearer evidence, and allow faster resolution of operational matters. He noted that BTC’s training had given officers the confidence to operate the equipment effectively.

He said yesterday: “This means clearer evidence, better accountability and faster resolution of incidents at the end of the day, these tools expand our capability, and they help us to respond faster and more accurately and offer operate and with the transparency that the public expects. In partnership with BTC business, we have pilot tested these radios push the talk radios and body cams for a period of several months, and this equipment is proven to be extremely helpful in our day-to-day operations. Reliable communication and recording capabilities are critical for effective law enforcement. Most importantly, as I indicated, these tools directly enhance officer safety in the field.”

Delmaro Duncombe, BTC director of B2B operations, said the push-to-talk radios were mission-critical tools featuring encrypted voice messaging, silent emergency alerts, and built-in worker protection features. The body cameras are capable of recording high-quality audio and video.

Mr Duncombe said the Department of Immigration was the first enforcement agency to receive the equipment, with plans to expand the initiative to other uniformed enforcement agencies.

Director of Immigration Stephen LaRoda said: “Today marks an important milestone for the Department of Immigration, as we officially receive handheld mobile radios and body worn cameras from our valued partner, the Bahamas Telecommunications Company. This initiative, speaks directly to our commitment to transparency, accountability and the highest standards of public service, these tools will not only enhance the safety of our officers in the line of duty, but also reinforce the trust and confidence of the public that we serve.”