Panama declares body camera tender confidential over security risks

Panama's Cabinet Council has approved the pre-qualification process for suppliers of body cameras and a digital evidence system for the nation's public security forces. The government has simultaneously declared the tender documents confidential, citing potential risks to institutional security.

The decision, established by Cabinet Resolution No. 57 of July 7, 2026, and published in the Official Gazette, aims to protect sensitive technical specifications. Officials argue that disclosing these details could compromise the physical safety of security personnel and expose the digital evidence management system to cyberattacks or evidence tampering. The resolution emphasizes that the digital evidence system is crucial for the legality of judicial processes.

According to the resolution, revealing the system's architecture, communication ports, or storage methods could lead to targeted cyberattacks or attempts to alter evidence. The government maintains that the confidentiality is necessary because the acquired assets are critical for national security.

The contract will cover the supply, implementation, and management of body cameras and the digital evidence system. These tools are intended to support various functions, including maintaining public order, responding to emergencies, conducting preliminary investigations, security and surveillance operations, traffic control, enforcing judicial orders, and conflict resolution. Law 466 stipulates that recordings from body cameras will be used exclusively for investigations and judicial, administrative, or disciplinary processes, with measures in place to prevent improper disclosure.