Police to introduce body-worn cameras for all traffic officers

9 September 2025 09:19 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 4 Bookmark

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Colombo, Sep 09 (Daily Mirror) - In a bid to promote accountability on the roads, the Sri Lanka Police will soon begin issuing body-worn cameras to all traffic officers to improve transparency and reduce misconduct during public interactions.

These cameras will record interactions between officers and the public while on duty.

Police Spokesman ASP F. U. Wootler stated that these cameras can discourage bribery and corruption by recording each encounter, making it more difficult for either party to act unlawfully, as well as providing reliable evidence in the event of any disputes or complaints.

Meanwhile, Police will also install CCTV cameras in all detention cells across the country by the end of this year

ASP Wootler said that there are 608 police stations across the island, and installation will begin with the busiest and most high-priority locations.

The necessary funding has already been approved, and work will commence once the procurement process is completed.

The introduction of CCTV surveillance in police detention areas is expected to help prevent the mistreatment of detainees and allow for better monitoring of police activities.

Human rights organisations, including the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, have previously recommended such measures as essential steps toward police reform.

Earlier this year, the Human Rights Commission reported a sharp increase in complaints involving torture, arbitrary arrest, and harassment by police officers, prompting renewed calls for stronger accountability mechanisms.

One such case involved the Malimbada Police Station, where four officers were suspended following allegations of torturing a suspect in custody. The Attorney General later filed formal charges against the officers.

In April this year, two young men died shortly after being in police custody in separate incidents—one at Welikada Police Station and the other following release from Wadduwa Police Station.

Comments - 4

Jaffna man Tuesday, 09 September 2025 09:37 AM

Way to go NPP..

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maha Tuesday, 09 September 2025 09:50 AM

This is vital requirement in line with the international law, many countries practice this. Also should enact law for miss using official powers for poor innocents harassment.

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Mission Possible Tuesday, 09 September 2025 09:55 AM

It is good to wear body cameras but ensure that they are turned towards them. Because, it is the police themselves who are the ones who are the troublemakers. Every traffic police officer in on their mobile phone even on duty and in the junctions and in every public place not paying attention to the road traffic. It is the police officers who use filth and attack the public, etc. It will be good advantages for the citizens to use the evidence on camera against the police in a courtroom.

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Citizen Tuesday, 09 September 2025 10:01 AM

A very good move. At times drivers find it impossible to prove that they are right . Still we see police wrongly catch drivers for their own agenda

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