Traffic cops to wear body camera on chest in Odisha capital

Bhubaneswar: In an initiative to boost transparency in vehicular traffic system in the city, the traffic police officials will wear body camera on their chest to keep vigil on the bikers and car drivers violating the traffic rules.

The new project will be inaugurated today by Police Commissioner YB Khurania at Traffic Police Station located at AG Square here.

The body camera will be attached to an officer’s uniform through which the cops will maintain transparency during duty hours by keeping watch on the bike riders and car drivers violating traffic rules in the city. The technique is already applied in the cities like Noida, Hyderabad and Ludhiana where the traffic police personnel are wearing body cameras on chest.

The body camera can record the audio and video for 8-10 hours a day. A senior traffic police officer will check the camera on daily basis.

Earlier, several incidents were reported alleging the traffic police taking bribe in name of collecting fee for violating traffic rules. At times, the cops and bikers face-off on trivial issues at traffic posts.

With wearing body camera on chest, every incident will be recorded and action will be taken based on the audio and visuals.

Besides, the camera will be attached to the vehicles of ACP and two Inspectors, said Khurania.

Total 100 body cameras have been ordered for the traffic cops. These will be handed over to the traffic police officers and constables today, said Traffic ACP Jatin Panda.

Last year, Khurania had informed the state government about the pilot project, which was later approved.