Soon, all traffic enforcing officers in city to get body-cams

It was launched last February when six traffic police personnel were given these cameras. After receiving positive feedback, it has been decided to take the initiative forward and issue the cameras to 160 sub-inspector level officers responsible for enforcing traffic rules in the city. 

Orders have already been placed for 200 cameras, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) A Arun told DT Next , adding that the additional cameras were ordered considering the vacancies. Unlike the ones used during the trial, the new cameras will have additional features like CMOS sensor, 120-degree lens, two-inch display and built-in infrared illuminators for night vision. They will also have an embedded software that will enable pre or post recording option along with audio. They will have a 32GB storage space, with 3,300 mAh battery that can last eight hours. 

The Additional Commissioner said that the cameras could be charged at the docking station (that can charge six cameras at a time) kept in the police station. While charging, the dock station will download the footage and save it in the central server. This would be checked by the senior officers in case of an allegation against a traffic officer. “Each camera will be used by a single enforcing officer. 

The officer is not supposed to switch it off while she or he is on duty. In case of a complaint against a traffic police officer, the footage from his camera will be retrieved from the server and checked to get an unbiased account of the incident,” said Additional Commissioner Arun. 

If the camera had been turned off during the specific date and time, the officer would be considered culpable and action would be initiated, he added. The cameras are expected to be issued in the next couple of months.