Bodycams in the Dutch Caribbean – What Does This Mean for You?

Your rights as a citizen

If you are clearly identifiable in a bodycam recording, you are considered a "data subject" under the Police Data Act (Wpg, Article 1 under g), which gives you specific legal rights.

1. Right of access (Article 25 Wpg)
You may submit a written request to find out whether – and which – personal data about you has been processed by the police, including bodycam recordings.

2. Right to view recordings
If you appear in the footage, you may request access. However:

• Other individuals visible in the footage will first be blurred or anonymized.
• Access may be denied if necessary for operational reasons, the protection of others, or national security (Article 27 Wpg).

3. Right to correction or deletion

If you believe that the data is incorrect, incomplete, or unlawfully processed, you may request correction, supplementation, restriction, or deletion of the footage (Article 28 Wpg).

Your responsibilities as a citizen

While you have rights, there are also some clear boundaries:

• You cannot demand that an officer stop recording if it is necessary for police duties.
• You may not request bodycam footage for private use or publication, unless you are a data subject with a legitimate legal interest.
• Intentionally obstructing an officer wearing a bodycam (e.g. blocking or grabbing the device) is a criminal offense.

Want to file a complaint about bodycam use?

If you feel you were filmed unfairly, that recordings were mishandled, or that your rights were violated, you can file a complaint.

Complaint about the police | politiecn.com

Want to know more?
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