Paying heed to the PM’s call to implement the concept of “smart” policing, Delhi Police is giving a push to its 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.
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 senior officers keep track of them as well.
