Parliament committee approves police access to security cameras

PanARMENIAN.Net - The police will have the authority to request and obtain surveillance recordings from several state bodies, as well as access cameras installed outside buildings in their jurisdiction. The Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Security Affairs has given a positive opinion on the bill.

The draft law "On Amendments to the Law on Police and Related Laws" was introduced by Hayk Sargsyan.

The MP stated that the initiative is based on the growing threats of terrorism, drug trafficking, and crimes endangering human life, public safety, and national security. Given these risks, he emphasized the need to expand police capabilities for preventing, detecting, and investigating crimes more efficiently.

Sargsyan noted that the government proposed several amendments, all of which he supports and plans to incorporate into the bill before the second reading.

He stressed that the measure will not apply to private entities, clarifying that it only concerns state bodies and local self-government institutions.

Earlier, the Ministry of Internal Affairs proposed a bill requiring surveillance cameras in commercial and public facilities over 50 square meters, with police having 24/7 access to footage. The bill passed the first reading but was temporarily suspended due to public opposition.