Private legal practitioner Selorm Adonoo called on motorists to film police searches of their vehicles, saying the practice could promote transparency and accountability while providing evidence to resolve disputes between motorists and police officers. Speaking on A Question of Law on Monday, September 28, Mr Adonoo said recording a search could help resolve situations where the account of a motorist differs from that of a police officer.
He explained that motorists may face difficulties proving their claims when allegations arise from a vehicle search, particularly in cases where an individual claims an item was planted in the vehicle during the process. According to him, having a video recording of the search can provide an objective account of what transpired and help establish the facts.
“If you filmed it, we can all see. So it is good. It helps both sides gather evidence,” he said. Mr Adonoo noted that recording police interactions can also serve as a safeguard for officers by documenting their conduct and demonstrating whether the search was properly conducted.
He said while some police officers may previously have objected to being recorded during searches, the legal position now gives motorists the right to document such interactions. “If what you’re doing is right, why wouldn’t you want it recorded?” he asked.
Mr Adonoo maintained that allowing motorists to record police searches would strengthen public confidence while encouraging greater accountability among law enforcement officers. “So I think it strengthens the public and it also makes the officer accountable, which is what we want,” he said.
