Punjab Government to Equip All Prisons with AI Surveillance and Body Cameras
Chandigarh, July 10, 2025 — In a bold step toward modernizing prison infrastructure, the Punjab government has announced the integration of AI-powered surveillance systems and body cameras across all 26 prisons in the state. This transformative move, officially declared today, aims to bolster safety, accountability, and transparency within the correctional system.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the Punjab Prisons Department, which has already embraced technology in its prison management practices and reformation programs. The new system will involve installing advanced surveillance cameras powered by artificial intelligence, coupled with body-worn cameras for prison staff, to ensure real-time monitoring and reduce incidents of misconduct or violence.
Aligning with Global Trends
This decision places Punjab alongside global leaders in correctional reforms. Similar AI surveillance systems have been adopted in the United States, where private companies like Securus Technologies offer AI-driven monitoring in correctional facilities. These systems are credited with reducing violence and increasing oversight — outcomes the Punjab government hopes to replicate.
A 2021 study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that the use of body cameras in U.S. prisons significantly decreased complaints and violent incidents. By implementing similar technology, Punjab aims to make its prisons safer for both inmates and staff.
Concerns Around Privacy and Oversight
While the initiative has been largely welcomed as a progressive step, some experts and civil liberties advocates have raised concerns about data privacy and potential misuse. Critics, such as Julie Mao of Just Futures Law in the U.S., caution that without proper oversight, surveillance technology in prisons could infringe on individual rights and be used disproportionately against certain populations.
To address these concerns, Punjab officials have emphasized that standard operating procedures (SOPs) and data protection measures will be in place to prevent abuse and ensure the technology is used strictly for maintaining order and protecting human rights.
Training and Implementation
As part of the rollout, the Punjab Jail Training School will conduct specialized training programs for prison staff to operate and manage the new surveillance systems effectively. The training will include ethical handling of sensitive data, proper use of body cameras, and emergency response protocols based on AI alerts.
Officials say that the modernization drive also aligns with broader objectives under the Punjab Prison Reform Policy, which seeks to move from punitive incarceration models to reformative justice through education, vocational training, and improved facility management.
Punjab’s Commitment to Safer, Smarter Prisons
With this initiative, the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann aims to set a national benchmark for prison modernization in India. If implemented effectively, it could reduce human error, curb violence, and ensure greater transparency in prison operations — all while navigating the fine balance between security and individual privacy.