Ahead of a protest in Delhi, the emphasis is on recording the actions of police personnel along with strengthening security. Body cameras have been fitted on the uniforms of Delhi Police personnel deployed for the CJP protest. The cameras can work in low light and darkness. Their purpose is not only to keep watch on events but also to provide a record so that the role of the police can be assessed impartially in case of a dispute.
A police personnel said the body cameras are necessary not only for the police but also for the safety of ordinary people. The personnel said police are often accused of misbehaviour or assault, and in such cases the camera recording makes clear what actually happened at the spot.
Recordings to become key evidence amid allegations and disputes
Handling a crowd is never an easy task for the police. Whether it is slogan-shouting, jostling or any other commotion, claims are made by both sides after an incident. In such a situation, the camera recordings can become strong evidence.
However, fitting cameras does not necessarily bring out the truth. The quality of the video, how it is preserved and how it is used in the investigation also decide how reliable a recording is. During an investigation, it has to be checked whether the video is genuine and what its context is.
Surveillance near Le Meridien
Crowd management and maintaining law and order during public protests in the capital are an important challenge for the administration. Identifying any possible disorder in time is a key part of security arrangements. Drone cameras can give a wide picture of a location, which helps officers on the spot assess activity.
The surveillance being carried out at the roundabout near Hotel Le Meridien is important in this context. The place is at the centre of efforts to keep watch on security ahead of the protest. However, the available information does not make clear how many people will take part in the protest, what demands the organisers have made, or how many personnel have been deployed for security.
Growing use of technology in policing
Technology is increasingly entering policing. In many countries, body cameras have become common for police accountability and for recording incidents. India is now also moving in that direction. Such cameras help not only in recording the scene but also in probing allegations and counter-allegations.