Chandigarh Traffic Police Introduce Body Cameras for Enhanced Transparency
The Chandigarh traffic police have taken a significant step towards modernizing enforcement by procuring 100 body-worn cameras. This initiative aims to bring greater transparency to the challaning process and minimize confrontations between officers and traffic violators at check posts. The cameras will be issued to challaning officers following comprehensive training sessions to ensure proper operation.
Addressing Past Failures and Current Needs
This procurement comes after a previous attempt in 2017, when the Chandigarh Police purchased 104 body cameras for traffic personnel. However, most of those devices are now defunct, necessitating the acquisition of new equipment. SSP (Traffic), UT, Sumer Partap Singh emphasized that the cameras will be distributed only after officers receive adequate training in their use.
Senior officials have stated that the primary objective behind this move is to ensure transparency in the functioning of traffic personnel during duty hours. Police officials noted that traffic cops frequently report misbehavior by motorists when stopped at nakas, while residents have raised concerns about rude behavior by policemen. The body cameras are expected to record interactions and provide video evidence to determine responsibility in case of disputes.
Technical Specifications and Operational Protocols
According to officials, these advanced devices can capture high-quality photographs, record audio, and shoot high-definition video. Each camera is equipped with an inbuilt 32GB memory card and offers a battery backup of approximately four hours. Once the memory is full, data will be transferred to computers at the traffic lines in Sector 29 and preserved for around one year.
To maintain integrity, traffic personnel will not be permitted to switch off the cameras during duty hours. Strict action will be taken against any officer found violating these instructions, ensuring accountability and adherence to protocols.
Broader Traffic Enforcement Initiatives
Simultaneously, the traffic police have begun setting up special late-night nakas to challan motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This marks a shift from earlier practices, where police largely refrained from issuing manual challans and stopped vehicles only in cases of visible violations, following directions from DGP Sagar Preet Hooda.
Decline in Challan Numbers
Recent data reveals a notable decline in the number of challans issued. In 2024, approximately 8.50 lakh challans were issued, but this number dropped to 6.56 lakh in 2025, representing a decrease of around 23%. Specific violations also saw reductions:
- Overspeeding challans fell from 1,47,605 in 2024 to 95,252 in 2025.
- Helmet-related violations declined sharply from 84,875 to 17,662.
- Cases of mobile phone use while driving decreased, with 474 challans issued in 2025 compared to 1,532 in 2024.
This comprehensive approach, combining technological upgrades with strategic enforcement, underscores the Chandigarh traffic police's commitment to improving road safety and public trust through transparent and effective measures.
