“Many motorists have not paid fine imposed by the Traffic Police for violation of rules. So far, a fine of Rs 16 crore is pending and a private agency will be appointed to recover the amount,” said State Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. The Home Minister was speaking after distributing body-worn cameras to Traffic Police in a programme organised at Police Gymkhana in Civil Lines by City Police on Sunday morning. Describing importance of the cameras, Deshmukh said that quarrels used to occur between motorists and traffic policemen.

 

As the cameras record live videos, the footage will be used as evidence. The Home Minister also suggested that the cameras should be used to control anti-social elements who molest women on streets. “The cameras would be useful in maintaining coordination between the police and the citizens. Since there is a camera on the police uniform, no one will dare to argue for no reason,” he said.

 

There are 163 signals at important squares in the city and 6,688 CCTV cameras have been installed so far. Public Address (PA) system will now be installed on the signals, Deshmukh informed. Stating more drones will join the city police force in a few days, Deshmukh claimed that drones would also help the police in monitoring crowds and traffic. Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar said that the cameras would help in evidence-based policing. “We are taking all efforts for the safety of the citizens. The criminals will be dealt with an iron hand,” the CP said. DCP (Traffic) Sarang Awad compered the programme, while DCP Zone-V Neelotpal made a power point presentation on drones. Additional CPs Dilip Zalke, Navinchandra Reddy, Sunil Phulari and all DCPs were present in the programme. Deshmukh also honoured a team of Jaripatka Police Station for seizure of two pistols from criminals. 

 

What is ‘body-worn camera’ The camera weighs only 85 grams and it can be fitted on police uniform. It can take GPS location and also isdust and water proof. Nigh vision, HD Video, audio, eight hours of continuous recording capacity with 128 GB of storage are some of the features of the cameras. Police personnel using the cameras can be contacted directly from the Police Control Room and videos can also be viewed there.