Punjab police begin using body-worn cameras to improve monitoring, curb corruption

LAHORE: Punjab has launched a body-worn camera system for police personnel across the province, linking the devices with the Safe City system in 43 cities to improve monitoring and help curb corruption, the provincial government said on Tuesday.

The rollout follows directives from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, with training for personnel on the use of the cameras completed, according to an official statement.

The cameras will be worn by personnel of the Punjab Police, Highway Patrol, Dolphin Force and traffic police while on duty.

Installation of docking points for the cameras has also begun at police stations across the province.

After completing their duties, police personnel will place the cameras at designated docking stations, where recorded data will be automatically transferred and securely stored.

The system will allow live monitoring of the body-worn cameras through district Safe City control rooms.

The cameras are equipped with features including digital facial recognition and automated reading of motorcycle and vehicle number plates, according to the government.

In an emergency, police personnel will be able to contact control rooms immediately through threat alerts, calling and push-to-talk functions.

The provincial government said the system would improve oversight of police operations and provide a digital record of interactions during duty.

Maryam said that the project would not only improve monitoring but also help prevent corruption.

“Ensuring a sense of security among the public, particularly vulnerable groups, is our success,” she said.

The rollout is part of Punjab’s wider expansion of technology-based policing and surveillance through its Safe City infrastructure.