New Delhi: Amid allegations of police personnel manhandling protesters and detainees during recent protests, Delhi Police has issued body-worn cameras to its personnel deployed for such events in the New Delhi area.Confirming the move, a senior officer said, “Not all, but many cops on duty are wearing them, and gradually the device will be given to all.”The cameras are to record incidents at protest sites and interactions between police and protesters or detainees. The footage could help check complaints, establish what happened during such encounters and verify or counter allegations of misconduct against personnel, said sources. The cameras could help improve accountability and transparency, they added.An officer said the recordings could also serve as a training tool, helping senior officers review how personnel handled difficult situations and identify areas for improvement. At the same time, the footage could protect personnel against false or unsubstantiated allegations by providing an objective recording, he pointed out.Delhi Traffic Police has already been using around 30 body-worn cameras, sources said. Last year, TOI reported that Delhi Police was in the process of procuring body-worn cameras as part of its efforts to increase transparency and accountability in policing and strengthen public trust. In the first phase, the force is procuring around 1,500 body-worn cameras.
