Punjab rolls out body cameras for police officials to 'strengthen accountability, modernise policing'

LAHORE: The Punjab government announced on Tuesday the deployment of body-worn cameras for its police force as part of a broader initiative to "enhance accountability, bolster public safety, and modernize policing". The scheme, initiated at the behest of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, is set to commence in Lahore, after the necessary training of police personnel. The installation of docking stations for the cameras at various police stations has already begun.

The body cameras will be utilized by officers from the Punjab Police, Punjab Highway Patrol, Dolphin Force, and traffic wardens while on duty. These cameras will be interconnected with the Smart Safe City systems in operation across 43 cities within the province, enabling real-time monitoring through district Safe City control rooms.

With built-in facial-recognition technology, these devices can assist in identifying suspects and automatically transcribe vehicle number plates. In case of emergencies, they can automatically issue threat alerts.

The cameras offer a range of functionalities including audio and video recording, photography, and the ability to make phone calls. The devices are equipped with built-in memory that allows for recordings to be stored while the officers are on duty. Officers are obligated to return the cameras to designated docking stations once their shifts are over, at which point the recorded data will be automatically transferred from the devices and securely archived.

In addition, the cameras feature a "push-to-talk" function, allowing officers to communicate directly with control rooms, and an SOS button for urgent alerts.

Chief Minister Nawaz emphasized in a statement that the system would strengthen police monitoring and help curb corruption. "Ensuring a sense of security among the public, especially vulnerable sections, is the true measure of this system's success," she stated. According to her, safeguarding the lives and property of every individual in Punjab is the government's primary responsibility.