Traffic cops to use body-worn cameras

By Norman Palihawadane

The police are planning to equip traffic policemen with body-worn cameras (BWCs) as part of their ongoing efforts to improve law enforcement practices to ensure transparency and accountability.

Police Headquarters sources said the new scheme was aimed at creating digital records of interactions between traffic officers and road users. The move comes in response to various complaints that some traffic police officers have been accused of wrongdoing.

The body cameras, which will be worn by officers on their official uniforms, are designed to capture real-time video footage of the interactions, ensuring an unbiased record of events. Police sources indicate that each camera will cost approximately one million Sri Lankan Rupees.

Deputy Inspector General of Police for Traffic Control and Road Safety, Indika Hapugoda, said  they were planning to order around 5,000 of these cameras from China. This initiative is expected to enhance the integrity of traffic policing and provide a layer of protection for both officers and the public.

In addition to the body cameras, reports suggest that the police are also planning to purchase high-speed measurement devices equipped with laser beams from the United States. These devices are aimed at improving road safety and reducing accidents by providing more accurate speed measurements.