According to tender documentation published this week by the State Information Agency (Sita), the South African Police Service (SAPS) intends to equip its officers with body cameras capable of performing facial recognition.
This requirement is featured in the technical specification for the RFB 3286-2026 competition. This contract is set for three years and provides for the 'supply, delivery, support, and maintenance of body-worn and in-vehicle dashcams' along with corresponding software. The deadline for submitting applications is set for 11:00 on September 29th.
The scope of work specifies that the solution must provide SAPS with 'the ability to perform facial recognition and integrate with various security platforms, as well as have alerting functions.' This is not an optional feature; bidders are required to confirm compliance with these mandatory functional and subject requirements, as any application that does not meet them will not be considered further.
However, the specification does not clarify the specific purposes for which the police plan to use this system. The only place where the operation of such a system is described is in user management, where facial recognition is one of three methods (alongside fingerprint scanner and access code) for extracting the camera from the docking station, which allows identification of the officer, not the object the camera is pointed at.
The vehicle cameras must be equipped with built-in AI, including 'automatic number plate recognition' and detection of events triggered by blue lights, door opening, or collision. The specification also includes an 'option for an internal camera (facing passengers).' The video stream management software covering the fleet 'must have' analytical tools such as 'motion detection, facial recognition, and license plate recognition.'
This is more ambitious than just an accountability tool, as this project is positioned. In addition to collecting forensic evidence, the specification states that the cameras will allow SAPS to 'dispute false civil lawsuits' against itself.