Tech-driven policing to be launched in Bangalore soon

CCTV camera-based surveillance to get thrust under new concept

The State government will soon implement the Mega City Policing (MCP) concept in Bangalore which will give thrust to technology-driven policing besides active participation of communities.

The modalities of the MCP under the Modernisation of State Police Force Scheme of the Union Home Ministry was discussed at a meeting of top police officials chaired by State Home Minister K J George here on Thursday.

The Centre has recently selected six cities  - Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Bangalore - for the scheme.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Bangalore City Police Commissioner Raghavendra H Auradkar said the MCP would provide thrust to CCTV camera-based surveillance monitoring system and setting up of command centre among others.

According to a concept note on the MCP, funds would be provided to procure modern equipment such as GPS/GIS, vehicle scanners, vehicle number plate identification system, cyber patrol and communication monitoring system and integrated GIS-based automated vehicle tracking and management system.

Air surveillance systems like balloons fitted with cameras and sensors can also be procured to keep round-the-clock vigil over the city.

Auradkar said there is also a non-technical component to MCP that includes community participation in policing.

Community policing

Community policing named “Spandana” would be introduced in all police station limits in Bangalore.

Local citizens and NGOs would be encouraged to participate in the initiative with a special focus on safety of women. George said the action plan for MCP was being processed and would be completed soon.

He said Bangalore City Police was facing a shortage of 2,900 police personnel. The present strength of the force was 10,000 against a required strength of 12,900 and, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has given the go ahead to start recruitment process to bridge the gap.

Till then, the service of home guards would be utilised to make up for the shortage, he said. In all, 8,000 police constables would be recruited through out the State.

Golden jubilee

George said the Bangalore City Police Commissionerate would be celebrating its golden jubilee this year. The Commissionerate was established in 1963 and a parade would be organised to mark the golden jubilee. Siddaramaiah would be invited as the chief guest. Mementos would be provided to the entire police force of Bangalore.

Bangalore will host the All India city police commissioners’ conference in November this year. The conference will be organised by Bureau of Police Research and Development.
To repeated queries from reporters on the ‘ill treatment’ of orderlies by their higher-ups, George said he would look into the matter.