An app for cops to decode crime scene

A full-fledged mobile app, which will give cops step-by-step guidelines on what to do when they first visit a crime scene, was launched here on Friday by Home Minister K J George at the State Police Headquarters.

Constables and head constables, who are normally the first to visit a crime scene, can log in to the app by keying in their name, designation and police station jurisdiction. The app will then display a list of crimes and the user will have to select the nature of crime that has occurred. A detailed description of the procedures that need to be followed at the crime scene will then be available. The user can select the procedure and click on the ‘Done’ option, after which the details will be updated onto a database.

The First Responder Mobile Training Application has been developed by Target Corporation in collaboration with Indiana University.

Arvind Verma, former IPS officer, currently a professor at Indiana University, said the app will help cops save time at the scene of crime.

“Work will be simplified and details can be gathered in a better manner without disturbing the crime scene or destroying evidence.”

Om Prakash, Director General and Inspector General of Police, said the app will provide instructions followed by the Karnataka Police Manual. Also, it is connected to the police system server and everything will be stored in the database which will help senior police officers analyse the crime scene and monitor what constables do on the spot.

“This database will be an important learning instrument and help us become more efficient. It can also serve as training material,” he added.

Navneet Kapoor, president and managing director of Target India, said the app will be tested for over three months, after which it can be used by senior police officials. “Based on the success rate of the app, we will launch it in other states.”

Minister George said, “The Karnataka police has been the forerunner when it comes to adopting technology. The Ministry of Home Affairs even selected one of our police stations for the implementation of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network Systems.”