J&K Police to get body cameras: DGP

Jammu and Kashmir Police is procuring body cameras for its personnel to help the force during counter-militancy operations and law and order issues, as well as to increase transparency, director general of the state police SP Vaid said here on Friday.

“Body cameras are a part of so many equipments which are being purchased by the J&K Police. It is a technology which will help us in identifying what actually happened on the scene,” DGP Vaid told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

The state’s top cop said apart from helping the force during law and order problems, the body cameras would increase transparency.

“Let’s say a traffic cop is challaning somebody, allegations come that so and so was drunk and he abused me or took money from me, camera will record, it will not tell lies. Similarly, during law and order (problems), policemen have to confront hostile crowd. In the camera you will see who is doing right or wrong, so it is like using technology to know the truth,” Vaid said.

The DGP said while the first priority is to use the cameras during law and order problems, they can be used during anti-militancy operations as well. “The first priority is the law and order. If there is a need to use them during operations, we will use them,” he said.

Vaid said the process of procurement of the body cameras was on. “As soon as they come, first we will supply them in cities and towns, particularly nakas, city law and order component and the traffic police,” he said.

Asked about the action on WhatsApp numbers, linked to Pakistan, being used to spread violence in the Valley as found by the National Investigation Agency, the DGP said it will be good if they are shut. “I think if they are shut, it will be good. You all know how the outside role being played in Kashmir to instigate the youth,” he said.