The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) have officially reinstated daily drunk driving (DD) checks, extending their vigilance to every day of the week. This renewed effort is a proactive step to combat both road accidents and criminal activities that often occur under the cover of night.
The directive came from Karthik Reddy, the Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), who issued instructions in the last week of August. He mandated that the Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP) across all four traffic divisions ensure these daily checks are rigorously implemented within their respective areas, according to a senior police source.
A senior officer clarified that these extended weekday checks aren’t just about issuing fines. “We’ve seen numerous cases where individuals driving under the influence were also linked to serious nighttime crimes and severe accidents,” the officer stated. “This daily routine is a pilot initiative designed to address those broader safety concerns.”
Checks Are Already Underway
Gopal M. Byakod, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) for the South division, confirmed that these intensive drunk driving checks have been actively enforced for the past 20 days.
Police sources indicate that both inspectors and sub-inspectors are fully authorized to conduct these checks. A crucial new requirement states that each team must include at least one woman officer. Under the current pilot program, a minimum of three checkpoints have been strategically established in every division across the city.
Notably, the East division has seen a more substantial deployment, with over 10 checkpoints. This increased presence is due to its coverage of the bustling Central Business District (CBD) and popular high streets like Brigade Road and Church Street, areas known for higher foot traffic and nightlife.
Addressing Alcometer Concerns
This reintroduction of daily checks comes amidst previous complaints regarding the accuracy and potential irregularities of alcometers. However, a senior officer from the Northeast subdivision firmly dismissed these concerns, assuring the public that all alcometers undergo regular calibration and have shown no signs of tampering.
DCP Anoop A. Shetty, head of West (Traffic), emphasized transparency and accountability. He stated, “Should citizens have any complaints regarding bribery or other issues, they are encouraged to report them to senior officers. All personnel are now mandated to wear body-worn cameras at all times during checks, significantly reducing any opportunity for manipulation or misconduct.”
Body-Worn Cameras Now Mandatory
It was approximately two years ago that the BTP paused daily drunk driving checks, limiting them solely to weekends. This decision was a direct response to a surge of complaints alleging that officers at checkpoints were soliciting bribes. Recognizing the need for increased oversight, the police department made body-worn cameras mandatory for all officers in 2023, systematically equipping them with these compact recording devices.
With the full implementation of body-worn cameras, the traffic police initiated a pilot program for weekday checks in 2024, initially focusing on Thursdays. This trial period proved successful, as no allegations of misconduct or complaints were registered.
“Now, with every interaction recorded by body-worn cameras, the potential for bribery is significantly reduced,” explained the officer. “Should any complaints surface, the footage can be thoroughly reviewed, and even in instances of technical camera issues, detailed investigations can still proceed based on available evidence.”
Furthermore, an important policy update now authorizes sub-inspectors to conduct tests and register cases, a change expected to substantially increase the overall number of drunk driving checks conducted throughout Bengaluru.