Digital modernization push to help police move with the times

NEW DELHI: Paying heed to the PM's call to implement the concept of "smart" policing, Delhi Police is giving a push to the long-pending modernization proposals. As a first step, it plans to purchase about 6,000 personal digital assistants (PDAs)— a handheld device—for investigating officers, around 1,000 mobile data terminals for PCR vans and close to 100 video cameras. The department has floated tenders to procure these gadgets this week.

The PDAs will not only enable the personnel to match fingerprints of the suspects caught by chance on the streets or during an operation, but also help them access online dossiers. These will also help the cops send and receive information more efficiently.



The move will make investigations more transparent and increase efficiency of the cops. "For example, if a cop has nabbed a suspect and needs to find out the details of his associates while carrying out a rescue operation in an abduction case, he/she would feed the accused person's fingerprint, name or any other information, and his entire track record, along with names of gang members, will be available to him in a far-off location," an officer said.

PCR vans will be equipped with data terminals to ensure smooth connectivity. The video cameras will be used not only to cover protests and crucial operations but also to record statements and other evidence, sources said.

There will be e-books for 6,000 constables, which will help them register complaints electronically and keep a log of activity. The GPS-enabled devices will help seniors keep track of them as well.

Delhi Police has also expedited the setting up of an integrated database from where policemen can get real-time information on cases and intelligence about the suspects.

The modernization project, Enterprise Information Integration Solution (EI2S), is being handled by a special commissioner-rank officer. It aims to create a central database by integrating all departments—traffic, licensing, special branch, economic offences wing and foreigners' regional registration office (FRRO)—so that two-way communication is possible between the headquarters and the personnel on field. The data centre will store various antecedents like suspects' fingerprints, eyeball recognition and details of the areas they operate in.

Police commissioner B S Bassi has already launched an e-FIR system and a number of apps, including a distress app for women, Himmat.

In November last year, PM Narendra Modi had appealed to make the country's police forces "smart"—strict and sensitive, modern and mobile, alert and accountable, reliable and responsive; techno-savvy and trained.

With Delhi Police being allotted Rs 336 crores more than last year, it has all the reasons to finish some of its long-pending projects.