By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunmedia.net

AMID ongoing allegations of abuse at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, Prison Commissioner Doan Cleare says officers will soon begin wearing body cameras, a move he hopes will reduce legal claims against the government.

The initiative comes as part of broader security upgrades outlined in the 2025/2026 Budget Communication. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis announced plans to procure body cameras, improve surveillance systems, strengthen perimeter security, and curb unauthorised deliveries to the facility.

So far, the prison has received ten body cameras, according to Mr Cleare. He said the equipment will be assigned to officers working in high-risk areas, including the cell extraction unit, the exercise yard, and court escorts.

“We’re going to put them in bodycams to lessen persons suing the government of the Bahamas at the Department of Corrections,” he said.

The decision follows a wave of disturbing complaints from inmates over the years.

In 2022, BDOCS’ Internal Affairs Unit investigated 56 misconduct complaints involving prison officers. Nearly 80 percent of those cases resulted in disciplinary action. Four complaints were related to inmate brutality. Two led to charges. The unit also looked into three allegations of trafficking; two resulted in disciplinary measures.

In March, Human Rights Bahamas called on the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee to confront issues of police brutality, arbitrary detentions, and poor prison conditions.