City cops to wear body cams

Training of the police field force for the use of body cameras across Punjab has been completed. The project is being launched initially in Lahore, where installation of docking points for the cameras at police stations has begun. The body-worn cameras will be connected with Smart Safe City systems established in 43 cities across the province. Punjab Police, Highway Patrol, Dolphin Force and traffic wardens will wear the cameras while performing their duties. The digital facial recognition feature of the cameras will help identify suspects. The state-of-the-art cameras will also facilitate automated reading of motorcycle and vehicle number plates, while an instant threat alert can be generated in an emergency. The cameras are equipped with a calling facility for immediate communication. Police personnel will be able to record audio and video and take photographs through the devices. During duty, recordings will also be stored in the cameras' built-in memory. After completing their duty, the personnel will place the cameras at designated docking points. The recorded data will then be automatically transferred from the cameras and securely stored. A 'push-to-talk' facility will enable field-duty officers to establish immediate contact with the control room, while an SOS emergency button will allow them to alert the control room in emergency situations. The cameras will be connected with a central monitoring system and live monitoring of the cameras will be carried out at the respective district Safe City control rooms. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the body-worn cameras would not only facilitate monitoring but also help curb corruption. "Ensuring a sense of security among the public, particularly vulnerable segments, is the real measure of success," she said regarding the initiative. She said protection of the life and property of every individual in Punjab was the foremost responsibility of the government. In a message on the International Day of Democracy, the chief minister stated that an informed citizenry, honest leadership and rule of law were essential for the success of democracy. She termed accountability a key pillar of democracy and reaffirmed the government's resolve to hold corrupt elements accountable. She said a systematic campaign against corruption was under way in Punjab. The CM said supremacy of the Constitution was the essence of democracy, while an active civil society and effective institutions were crucial for promoting and strengthening democratic traditions. Meanwhile, Naseerabad police in Lahore arrested two men for impersonating officers of the force and intimidating citizens in Gopal Nagar's main market. According to police, the suspects, Muhammad Asif and Abdul Majid, were wearing police caps with white shalwar kameez and allegedly presenting themselves as officials. When questioned, they failed to present proof of their identity or employment. The police arrested them and registered a case under Sections 170 and 171 of the Pakistan Penal Code for impersonating police officials and illegally using official caps.