The Government Railway Police (GRP) is planning to introduce face-detection software in Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras at railway stations in the city.
Usually, several thousands of people pass through Chennai Central and Egmore railway stations during the summer vacation.
As criminals, taking advantage of the crowds, have been found to become more active during these months, the GRP, in an effort to nab regular offenders, is planning to update its surveillance devices.
“We will feed photographs of former convicts and wanted criminals in the software. Once the CCTV camera detects the face, it will highlight the suspect and set off an alarm in the control room,” said a senior officer. The control room personnel will then alert policemen on the station premises and pick up the suspect for an enquiry.
The GRP will also be uploading photos of offenders on the smartphones of its personnel. “This way, they will not have to carry albums. They can easily access the pictures and check for criminals,” said the officer.
Nearly 1,000 GRP personnel will be deployed in stations across the State to manage the holiday rush.
“We will also be enhancing our manpower with the help of Tamil Nadu Special Police,” said the officer.