According to reports from the Interior Ministry on Monday, the Punjab administration has decided to put CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) cameras in every investigation officer’s room throughout the state.
The sources confirmed that there will be monitoring in each and every inquiry room. This action is a component of ongoing police reforms being considered by the chief minister’s office to improve the proficiency of system officers and reinforce investigative methods.
According to the sources, the main goals of installing CCTV cameras are to prevent the practice of torturing suspects who are being investigated and to guarantee that investigations are conducted properly and scientifically.
By alerting officers to the fact that their acts are being watched, CCTV cameras will guarantee that investigative officers behave in an open and transparent manner and uphold accountability.
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It is anticipated that the deployment of cameras will discourage wrongdoing, such as coercion, physical harm, or unsuitable conduct on the part of officers during questioning. By preventing illegal detention and coerced confessions, as well as other abuses of legal and human rights, this surveillance will support the protection of the rights of those who are the subject of an inquiry.
CCTV camera recordings can be used as proof in court cases or misconduct accusations, which is important when looking into charges of police corruption or brutality.
Furthermore, it’s important to remember that other countries have also adopted comparable policies. To avoid abuses during detention, the Indian Supreme Court, for example, ordered that all police stations and investigative agencies install CCTV cameras with night vision and audio recording.
The following are possible effects of installing CCTV cameras in investigation rooms on investigations:
- Transparency and Accountability:
The use of cameras guarantees that investigating officers behave in a transparent manner. Because their behaviours will be observed, there will be less chance of misbehaviour or power abuse during questioning.
- Evidence Collection:
Legal processes may require the use of video recordings as vital evidence. In court, they can be useful since they offer an unbiased perspective of the exchanges between suspects and authorities.
- Deterrence:
It is possible that police will refrain from unethical behaviour if they are aware that their acts are being videotaped. This may result in an investigation process that is more courteous and professional.
The calibre of the investigations
Using cameras promotes a methodical, scientific approach to research. Officers might pay closer attention to gathering evidence and according to protocol.
However, issues including data storage, upkeep, and privacy concerns could come up. Achieving the ideal mix between privacy and oversight will be essential for successful adoption.