DCW chief pitches for body cameras for police

New Delhi: Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal has recommended the use of body cameras for police officers to reduce chances of misconduct by them.

In a letter to Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik, Maliwal said recording police-citizen encounters tends to significantly improve the functioning of police officers as it increases their accountability.

She referred to police officers in the United States who are mandated to use body cameras during the course of their work.

These cameras are attached physically to the uniform of police officers and record their surroundings during the course of their work. They are switched on as soon as a case is allotted to an officer.

Maliwal said results from several studies in the United States point towards improvement in police behavior due to use of body cameras.

These cameras significantly reduce chances of police misconduct and their footage has proved valuable in such investigations, she said.

"In light of the above (reasons), the DCW strongly recommends the Delhi Police to introduce the use of body cameras for all police personnel.

"As a pilot project, body cameras can be introduced for police officers dealing with PCR and crimes against women. If required, the funds for the same may be sought from Nirbhaya Fund," Maliwal said in the letter.

The Delhi Traffic had procured 200 body cameras till last year and a proposal for buying more cameras has been sent to the ministry.

The Delhi Police is also in the process of equipping its personnel deployed in Parakram vans with high-end body cameras. The Parakram vans, launched in May, are mandated for anti-terror operations and other serious situations warranting armed response.