Lahore police to begin using body-worn cameras after training

Punjab police personnel will use body cameras linked to Safe City systems across 43 cities in the province Photo: Punjab Police/ Facebook Training of Punjab's police field force in the use of body-worn cameras has been completed, with the project being launched initially in Lahore, where docking points for the cameras at police stations are being installed. The body-worn cameras will be connected to Smart Safe City systems established in 43 cities across the province. Personnel of the Punjab Police, Highway Patrol, Dolphin Force and traffic wardens will wear the cameras while performing their duties. The cameras' digital facial recognition feature will help identify suspects. The state-of-the-art devices will also facilitate automated reading of motorcycle and vehicle number plates, while an instant threat alert can be generated in an emergency. Also Read: 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, personnel will place the cameras at designated docking points, where the recorded data will automatically be transferred from the devices 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 emergencies. The cameras will be connected to a central monitoring system, with live monitoring 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 said an informed citizenry, honest leadership and the 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 chief minister 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 allegedly impersonating police officers 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 provide proof of their identity or employment. Police arrested the two men and registered a case under Sections 170 and 171 of the Pakistan Penal Code for impersonating police officials and illegally using official police caps.