Body-worn cameras mandatory for passport verification; strict guidelines issued

In a bid to ensure transparency and accountability in passport verification, the Bengaluru Police Commissionerate has issued fresh directions mandating the compulsory use of body-worn cameras by officers during the entire verification process.

According to a circular issued by Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh on Wednesday, all police officers and staff must mandatorily visit the residential address provided by the passport applicant and gather necessary inputs from neighbours and local residents. Officers have been strictly instructed not to summon applicants to police stations for verification under any circumstances.

The order further states that adverse reports must not be filed without clear and substantiated evidence. Officials have been warned against expecting any favour, gratification, or engaging in harassment with the intention of demanding bribes. Unnecessary delays or causing inconvenience to applicants have also been expressly prohibited.

As per the new guidelines, applicants must be informed at least 24 hours in advance — through SMS or phone call — before officers visit for verification. The entire process must be recorded transparently.

All officers conducting passport verification are required to wear body-worn cameras from the beginning of the verification process until its completion.

Divisional Deputy Commissioners of Police have been directed to personally monitor compliance and submit weekly reports to the headquarters. Any relaxation of the prescribed norms will require prior written approval. The memorandum makes it clear that failure to adhere to the guidelines will invite disciplinary action.

“Constables on an average would get ₹200 to ₹1,000 depending on the area and person’s profile. There are some cases where the police would file adverse reports to trouble the applicant. Body-worn cameras will be the solution for all these problems,” said a senior officer.

Mr. Singh told The Hindu that body-worn cameras have been made compulsory to bring transparency and avoid inordinate delays in the verification process. “This will make the police personnel accountable and ensure quick delivery of the service,” he added.