When crime is being committed by smart crooks, the police need to get smarter and become tech savvy. And in tune with this theme, J.V. Ramudu, Director-General of Police, Andhra Pradesh, recently inaugurated the police vehicles fitted with GPS (Global Positioning System) in Visakhapatnam as a pilot project.
As many as 18 police Rakshak vehicles and six Blue Colts motorcycles have been fitted with the system.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I), C.M. Trivikram Varma, the GPS fitted vehicles will strengthen the police force in not only enforcement duty, but also in prevention of crime. And most importantly, the movement of the police force can be tracked and monitored easily. Explaining the advantages, he has said the vehicles which are fitted with the mechanism can be tracked from the Central Command Station (CCS).
“It is like erecting geo fencing for the vehicles and any of the vehicles moving beyond their jurisdiction, without prior permission, will be taken into task,” says the official.
The patrolling time of the vehicles will also be recorded at the Central Command Station. “Rakshak vehicles are meant for patrolling almost round the clock in shifts. Prolonged idle period will be recorded and the persons concerned will have to give their explanation,” says the DCP.
Most significantly, the Rakshak and Blue Colts with the GPS system are expected to move in swiftly to a crime scene or where there is a law and order problem.
Now Dial 100, I-Clik and Abhayam have been brought under the umbrella of CCS and calls or messages received at the station will be instantly relayed to the Rakshak or Blue Colt, which is stationed or moving close to the scene of offence, based on the GPS mapping.
“This integrated system will reduce the reaction time. Even the reaction time will be recorded at the CCS and any delay by the patrolling team in reaching the spot will be taken up for action,” says Dr. Trivikram Varma.
In a phased manner all Rakshak vehicles, Blue Colts and D-Colts will be fitted with the GPS.
