With the objective to ensure strict enforcement of traffic rules and monitor protests and also to interact between policemen and vehicle users, as many as 30 body-worn cameras were distributed to police personnel on Tuesday on a trial basis.
The camera, which is a wireless communication set, can be fixed either to the collar flap or the shirt pocket and weighs around 150 gram. The device is connected to the command control system through a sim card and personnel monitoring the system can see live video footage from the cameras.
Superintendent of Police S. Sakthi Ganesan distributed 15 cameras to policemen of law and order and 15 cameras to policemen of traffic wing. The police were already trained in using the cameras as automatic recording would help monitor the ground situation during major protests and events.
Mr. Sakthi Ganesan said that the footages in the cameras would serve as a proof in knowing the truth and can also be used an evidence in the court. He said that all the happenings in a particular locality will be automatically recorded in the camera and can be reviewed anytime. He said the scheme will be implemented across the district in a week’s time. Initially, 30 policemen in Erode Town, Erode South, Erode North, Karungalpalayam, Erode Taluk and Erode Town Traffic Wing police stations were given the cameras to be used round-the-clock.
About 200 more cameras will be purchased and each camera costs about ₹ 30,000.