Out to modernise the functioning of the traffic police department and bring in more transparency, body-worn cameras were introduced on trial basis for police recently.

“The body cameras will ensure better services and also bring in more transparency in the work we do,” said Traffic Deputy Commissioner Sujit Kumar.

“Currently one camera has been introduced for a month’s trial. If we receive positive feedback, then we may order about 20 cameras for personnel authorised to book cases under the MV Act,” he said. Body cameras would act as a deterrent for both public and police personnel from misbehaving.

“Often, public complain about traffic personnel demanding a bribe and also about non-issue of receipts for the fine they pay. Body-worn cameras will record each and every action of the police personnel and of the public thereby ensuring transparency in their actions,” Sujit said.

These camera could record both video and audio but could not be connected to the control room, the Deputy Commissioner said. Request could be made for advanced body-worn cameras that could be connected to the control room, thereby ensuring better surveillance.

Body-worn cameras were introduced in Chennai last week on trial basis after a taxi driver committed suicide by setting himself ablaze alleging he was ill-treated by traffic policemen.