Body-worn cameras with traffic police personnel in Maharashtra is going to be a realty soon as the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the system will be rolled out in phases, beginning with major cities across the state. Fadnavis made this announcement in the Legislative Council on Wednesday. Fadnavis also announced that traffic cops with body-worn cameras will be authorised to issue challans for traffic rule violations. Fadnavis was replying to questions raised by members from both the ruling and opposition benches during question hour. The legislators objected to traffic police personnel using private mobile phones to issue e-challans, calling for greater transparency and accountability.

 

“The Government will work on equipping traffic police with Body Worn Cameras in phases. Like Goa, only those police personnel with BWCs can issue challans,” the Chief Minister said. The Chief Minister added that a dedicated system will be developed within six months to ensure the recovery of fines from challans after they are issued. He also announced the formation of a committee led by a senior officer to study global and inter-state best practices related to the use of technology in traffic enforcement. “A team, to be led by a senior officer, will study the practices around the world and different states related to the use of technology. Based on its recommendations, a policy will be introduced in the next three months,” Fadnavis added.