Lok Sabha Elections Gujarat : Vadodara Police Vans and Officers Equipped with Body Worn Cameras

VADODARA, GUJARAT : In a move to promote transparency and accountability between the police and the public, the Vadodara Commissioner of Police has equipped 48 PCR vans and their officers with body-worn cameras. This initiative follows a recent incident involving a clash between Sayajiganj Police’s PCR van staff and a lorry driver.

The live footage captured by these cameras will be accessible at various locations, including local police stations, the police commissioner’s office, and directly to the Gandhinagar Trinetra, the state police headquarters. This multi-pronged approach ensures comprehensive oversight of police interactions with the public.

“The body-worn cameras will record conversations between PCR personnel and the public upon reaching an incident site after receiving a call from the control room,” said the Commissioner. “These cameras will also be used during all significant police operations, with online and offline functionalities depending on the specific situation.”

Furthermore, to ensure proper staffing for effective use of the cameras, each of the 48 PCR vans will have an adequate team. This includes a driver, an in-charge officer, and a supporting home guard.

It’s important to note that this initiative builds upon a larger project undertaken in 2021. Back then, the state police received a total of 10,000 body-worn camera systems for various purposes, including traffic enforcement, maintaining law and order, and criminal investigations. Vadodara city itself received 676 cameras from this allocation, with 73 of them currently operating online. Additionally, separate distributions were made to specific police stations; for instance, the City Police Station received 20 cameras, and the Panigate Station received 16. Notably, the traffic branch was allocated 355 cameras, and 44 of these have been converted to online functionality.

The implementation of body-worn cameras for PCR vans and officers signifies a significant step towards fostering trust and transparency within Vadodara’s police force. This technology, coupled with proper staffing and strategic use, promises to enhance police accountability and improve public confidence.