The New York Police Department immediately suspends the use of the body's cameras after the explosion

New York police has suspended the use of thousands of body cameras after the explosion of a device over the weekend.

The ministry said the agents would immediately stop using Vievu model LE-5 body-worn cameras with "a lot of caution."

After retrieving a camera for his deployment on Saturday, an officer of the midnight patrol noticed that smoke was escaping from the bottom portal and immediately removed it. Shortly after the agent removed the body camera safely, the device exploded.

It was found that the camera had set fire to his battery. The service is currently investigating the cause of the defect. The officer suffered no injuries as a result of the explosion.

"Nothing is more important than the safety of our agents, and equipping the NYPD with the best equipment is a top priority," said James P. O'Neil, Deputy Information Commissioner.

"All officers assigned to the LE-5 cameras were instructed to remove them and immediately bring them back to their orders. The department is currently collecting and removing the LE-5 cameras from the controls, "added O'Neil.

"This problem does not in any way affect members equipped with cameras worn on Vievu's LEV-4 model body, and service members equipped with LE-4 cameras will continue to use them as required by the patrol guide. . "

NYPD officers patrol an area where activists took part in the Sharia Walk at Foley Square on June 10, 2017 in New York. New York police suspended the use of nearly 3,000 body cameras after one of the devices exploded. Eduardo Munoz Alvarez / Getty Images)

According to the WABC, nearly 3,000 LE-5 cameras were in use at the time of the recall, and the New York police have used more than 12,000 other camera models on the body.

"We are working closely with the NYPD to investigate this case," said Axon, Vievu's parent company, in a statement. "The agent was not injured, but the safety of the agent is of the utmost importance to Axon and we will do what is necessary to quickly and safely resolve this situation."

In January, the NYPD announced its intention to equip all police officers and detectives on patrol of body protection cameras by the end of 2018, a year ahead of the deadline.

"The body cameras helped guide a new day in maintaining order, enhancing transparency and increasing accountability. We are now accelerating their expansion, "Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement. "By ensuring that all patrol officers are equipped with these modern and indispensable police tools a year ahead of schedule, we are helping to make New York City fairer and faster and to build trust between the police. and the communities. "