ASIs posted at Nabanna get body-worn cameras

Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) of Kolkata Police posted at Nabanna have been given body-worn cameras to record if any untoward incidents happen in the state secretariat.

At present around 12 ASIs are using the body-worn cameras in Nabanna. The cameras were found fitted in such a way on their uniform that it can take close shots of a person standing in front of a policeman.

The cameras are fitted with memory chips. In a bid to view the recorded video footages or still photographs, the chips need to be inserted to a computer or a laptop.

The cameras are having options of capturing both video footages with audio and still photographs. The policeman needs to switch on the cameras as and when needed to

capture video footages. There is another smaller switchon the camera to capture still photographs.

A police officer posted in Nabanna said that they have received the body-worn cameras four to five days ago. A senior police officer, who is also posted in the state secretariat, trained the ASIs who are using the body-worn cameras.

The officer said the basic purpose of using the camera is to capture anything that is taking place within a short distance. It will help to identify if anyone tries to carry out any activity against the permission of the police.

A police officer posted at the north gate of Nabanna was found with a body-worn camera fitted on his uniform. Some of the ASIs on-duty inside the premises of the state secretariat were also seen using the body-worn cameras.

It is learnt that most of the ASIs with body-worn cameras will be pressed at the places in the state secretariat where there will be gatherings or if any troublesome situation is apprehended.

A police officer said that some more ASIs will be using body-worn cameras in Nabanna and they will be posted at strategic locations in the state secretariat.

Kolkata Police maintains the security in and around Nabanna. The step of giving body-worn cameras to the policemen posted in the state secretariat will help in

intensifying the vigil. Moreover, there is also a proposal of setting up of a dog squad in the state secretariat. A few months ago, scanners were installed at the north gate of the state secretariat and people entering the high security zone need to get their bags checked in the scanner.

It may be mentioned that for the first time in the city, such body-worn camera was given to sergeants of the Kolkata Traffic Police and it had helped in reducing many complaints.