The Gujarat Police introduced the GP-DRASTI programme. This initiative employs drones for aerial surveillance and policing in major cities. It aims to enhance crime response and improve public safety. The use of drones allows for quicker intervention in incidents of violence and criminal activities. The programme is a response to increasing gang violence in urban areas, particularly in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot.
Purpose of GP-DRASTI
The primary goal of GP-DRASTI is to reduce response times during emergencies. Drones are deployed to track fugitives and locate missing persons. They serve as a force multiplier for local police, enabling rapid action in critical situations. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernise policing in Gujarat.
Implementation Strategy
Drones will be integrated into police operations at the station level. When an incident is reported, the control room will alert both local police and the drone base station. This ensures that aerial and ground teams respond simultaneously. In pilot tests, drones reached crime scenes in half the time of traditional police units.
Operational Details
The drones operate at a ceiling of 120 metres and have a flight time of up to 45 minutes. They are equipped with high-definition cameras capable of night vision. Drones can zoom in on subjects from a distance of 1 km. This technology is crucial for identifying individuals in crowded situations and capturing evidence of criminal activities.
Training and Deployment
A two-person team will pilot each drone. Training for 16 staff members from various police stations will occur at the Gujarat Police Academy. The programme plans to expand the number of trained personnel as more drones are acquired.
Target Areas for Surveillance
The programme focuses on 33 police station jurisdictions identified as hotspots for “body-related” crimes. These include areas with high incidences of assault, rioting, and unlawful assembly. The initiative is part of the SHASTRA programme, aimed at reducing violence and enhancing public safety.
Technological Features
The drones feature advanced technology that allows them to navigate around obstacles. They can track specific targets and relay real-time video footage back to the control centre. This capability helps police assess situations quickly and deploy additional support if necessary.
Impact on Crime Control
The introduction of drones is expected to improve the efficiency of police operations. By providing aerial surveillance, the police can better monitor criminal activities and respond to incidents more effectively.
Future Prospects
As the programme develops, more drones will be added to the fleet. This expansion will enhance coverage across the state. The Gujarat Police aims to set a precedent for the use of technology in law enforcement.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of technology in modern policing and its implications for civil liberties.
- What are the ethical considerations surrounding drone surveillance in urban areas? Discuss with examples.
- Estimate the impact of rapid response units on crime rates in metropolitan cities.
- Point out the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in integrating new technologies into their operations.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the role of technology in modern policing and its implications for civil liberties.
- Technology enhances efficiency in policing through tools like drones, body cameras, and data analytics.
- It aids in real-time surveillance and rapid response to incidents, improving public safety.
- However, increased surveillance can lead to potential infringements on privacy rights and civil liberties.
- Concerns arise regarding data misuse, lack of transparency, and accountability in law enforcement practices.
- Balancing technological advancements with civil liberties is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring ethical policing.
2. What are the ethical considerations surrounding drone surveillance in urban areas? Discuss with examples.
- Drone surveillance raises privacy concerns as it can capture footage of individuals without their consent.
- There is a risk of disproportionate targeting of certain communities, leading to potential discrimination.
- Transparency in the use of drones is essential to prevent misuse and build public confidence.
- Examples include the use of drones in protests, where surveillance may suppress free expression and assembly.
- Establishing clear regulations and oversight mechanisms is necessary to address ethical dilemmas associated with drone usage.
3. Estimate the impact of rapid response units on crime rates in metropolitan cities.
- Rapid response units can reduce response times, leading to quicker intervention during incidents.
- Improved response times can deter crime, as potential offenders may be less likely to act in the presence of swift police action.
- Data from pilot programs indicate that faster arrivals at crime scenes can lead to higher rates of arrests and evidence collection.
- However, the effectiveness may vary based on community relations and the overall policing strategy in the area.
- Long-term studies are needed to assess the sustained impact on crime rates and community safety perceptions.
4. Point out the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in integrating new technologies into their operations.
- Budget constraints can limit the acquisition and maintenance of advanced technological tools.
- Training personnel to effectively use new technologies can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
- There may be resistance from officers accustomed to traditional policing methods, impacting integration efforts.
- Legal and regulatory frameworks may lag behind technological advancements, creating compliance challenges.
- Ensuring data security and protecting against cyber threats are critical concerns as technology becomes more integrated into policing.
