Map software, AI to lend a hand in Bengaluru crime fight

Bengaluru: Bengaluru police are leveraging artificial intelligence and map integration software to identify crime-prone areas and strengthen law enforcement efforts. 

Crime mapping and crime hotspot analysis allow the police to assess crime frequency using data from FIRs and the 112 helpline. By identifying high-risk areas, they can strategically deploy patrol vehicles to deter criminal activity. 

As part of a pilot project, the Bengaluru west police division studied the correlation between CCTV coverage and crime incidents at specific locations. The analysis revealed “surveillance gaps” — crime hotspots areas that lack CCTV coverage. 

In Bengaluru, each police station manages six to seven patrolling routes, or beats. Every beat has multiple maps, including camera maps — showing CCTV locations within the jurisdiction — and crime frequency maps that highlight crime occurrences based on FIR data. 

These maps were integrated into software that generated a third map, pinpointing crime hotspots and existing surveillance coverage. This software-generated map enabled investigators to identify surveillance gaps in each beat, said S Girish, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West).

“This study established a clear link between CCTV cameras and crime occurrences. Most crimes occurred in areas without CCTV coverage, suggesting that criminals tend to target locations lacking surveillance,” Girish told DH. “The study produced exceptional results. Most detected cases in our jurisdiction happened in places with CCTV cameras.” 

Girish further said that in areas with surveillance gaps, police encouraged businesses and homeowners in crime hotspots to install CCTV cameras. Where residents declined, police raised awareness and increased Hoysala patrol deployments. 

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda confirmed that the pilot study would soon be extended to all police divisions and that civic agencies would be recommended to improve street lighting in poorly lit areas to enhance public safety. 

Hotspot analysis

Police have compiled extensive data from calls made to the 112 helpline regarding street crimes. An in-house AI system will process this data to identify crime hotspots across Bengaluru. 

This AI system features a hotspot pointer that assesses the likelihood of crimes occurring in specific locations. Additionally, these hotspots will be tagged with details indicating the most likely type of crime and the time frame in which it is expected. 

“Victims of street crimes report incidents to the police helpline but do not file a formal complaint. We incorporate this data into our crime hotspot analysis to improve crime prediction at specific locations,” Dayananda told this newspaper. 

The insights from this analysis will be shared with Hoysala patrol vehicles, allowing them to patrol high-risk locations more effectively.